Robert Earl Freeman

Robert Freeman was born the only child of Othelia and May Belle Freeman-Perry on April 12, 1949 in Gilmer, Texas. He moved to Garden City Park in the summer of 1958, from a small farm in Gilmer, Texas. He graduated from Garden City Elementary and attended George Washington Carver High School (Aldine District) for two years before enrolling in Klein High School after integration was enacted. He was a member of Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Methodist Church and a product of the 1966 Upward Bound Program at Texas Southern University. At Carver, he played baseball, basketball and was a member of the Biology Club. At Klein High, he was a 2-year All-District basketball player and was selected to play in the Texas High School Coaches’ All-Star game. As a top ten graduate of Klein High School 1967, Robert was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with a four-year perfect attendance record.

Robert received a nomination from Senator Ralph Yarborough to attend The United States Military Academy at West Point, New York upon graduation. He completed four years at West Point and received a BS degree (mathematics concentration) in 1971. He was one of only three Blacks in a graduating class of over 700. While at West Point, Robert became the first Black cadet to letter in basketball, playing for the legendary Coach Bob Knight.

Robert was commissioned in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant and retired with 20 years of service as a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC). During his army career, he completed the requirements for Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Personnel Management (Human Resources). In addition to stateside assignments, his tours sent him around the globe commanding and supervising multi-national work forces in Japan, Italy, Germany and Turkey. Because of his outstanding duty performances, he was awarded numerous commendations which includes the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DOD MSM).

Robert’s hobbies and interest involved sports including tennis, snow skiing, and racquetball. After retiring from the Army, he moved to Round Rock, TX in 1992 and resided there until his passing. Robert was an active member of Sweet Home Baptist Church as an usher, tutor, and mentor. He was always willing to serve.

Biologically, Robert was an only child, but he was a brother, uncle, nephew, and brother-in-law to many.

He will be truly missed.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Othelia Freeman. He leaves to mourn: his mother, May Perry-Round Rock, TX, uncles Fonzell Skinner (Pauline), Missouri City, TX, Adell Skinner (Evelyn) of Spring, TX, Theodist Skinner of Pearland, TX, Wendrell Freeman of Dallas, TX, aunt Maggie Amos (Oscar) of Austin, TX and many relatives and friends.

Many thanks to the doctors and nurses of Ascension Seton of Round Rock and the staff at Texas Oncology. A special thanks to his spiritual family of Sweet Home Baptist Church and neighbors.

A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Sweet Home Baptist Church, 3200 Sunrise Road, Round Rock, Texas 78665, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Freeman family.