Edward R. Freeland

Edward R. Freeland, 91, of Carmel passed away March 31, 2023. He was born August 7, 1931 in Beaver, Pennsylvania to the late Edward Luther and Ethel Faye Freeland. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Marcia Freeland, two sisters Phyllis McCloskey and Doris Stewart. Surviving are his children, Debbie Anderson, Michael Freeland, Jane (Larry) Klutzke and John Freeland; grandchildren Judd Meyer, Russell (Rachel) Meyer, Brandon (Allison) Freeland, Todd Ingerham, Alexandria (Robert) Richey, Benjamin Klutzke; seven great grandchildren.

Ed attended Beaver High School where he excelled in baseball catching the eye of a Pittsburgh Pirates minor league scout, however Ed wanted to pursue his dream of flying so he left Beaver High and attended Staunton Military Academy graduating in 1950. Ed went on to graduate from Purdue University in 1954 with a BS in Air Transportation. Ed’s passion was flying airplanes. He had his private pilot license at age 16 and owned his first plane before he could drive a car. While at Purdue, he was VP of the Purdue Aviation Club and obtained his commercial pilot’s license and instrument rating. After graduating from Purdue, Ed joined the Air Force where he proudly served his country as a heavy bomber and transport pilot during the end of the Korean War. After being honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant he went to work for Gulf Oil as an engineer in their petroleum department. He soon had a desire to focus on a business career and was a co-founder and principal owner of a professional employment agency, BFM Associates, which he ran for 12 years. While running his business he obtained his real estate broker license and began focusing more on selling commercial and industrial real estate. He sold his nationally recognized employment company and worked as a commercial real estate broker for the rest of his career.

Upon retiring, Ed was able to spend time on the golf course where he would beat just about all who played him. He played the piano (by ear) beautifully to the delight of anyone in earshot and created beautiful furniture pieces that are treasured. His passion for flying never left him as he would set up flight plans all over the world on his computer flight simulator. He loved having his family close and led us all by his example of integrity, loyalty and excellence.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Strides to Success, 1350 Terry Drive, Plainfield IN 46168 or http://stridestosuccess.org/donate/