Eugene Frederick Freeman, Jr.

Eugene Frederick Freeman, Jr., was born on May 1, 1933 and peacefully passed away on Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018. He leaves a wonderful legacy of family, friends, and cheer in his memory.

The first child of Mary (Wade) and Eugene Frederick Freeman, Sr., Gene was the oldest of five children, including siblings Wade (Maggie), Ann Bammer (Jim), Judy Giblin (Jim), and Bill (Connee). The family grew-up in Fort Worth, TX. Gene was extremely proud of his family and loved spending time with them. In his growing years, his brothers and sisters, as well as his cousins from Oklahoma in the Wade family, were the source of unlimited joy and fun. Wade family stories are legendary, and sometimes even true. He loved his brothers, sisters, and cousins, almost as much as his wife and children. Gene would continually tell his sons and daughter, “always value your family.” As the oldest son, he did show a playful side. One Christmas, his gift to his youngest brother, Bill, was “The Invisible Woman.” Mary Wade Freeman was not pleased.

Gene was proud to be a “Texas Aggie,” attending Texas A&M until the Korean Conflict intervened, when he entered the United States Army. Gene’s legendary renditions of the Aggie War Hymn were the highlight of any party, complete with the requisite “Hullabaloo, Caneck, Caneck, Good bye to Texas University, and Good luck to dear old Texas Aggies!”

After his discharge from the Army, Gene enrolled at St. Louis University, where his formal studies of Philosophy began. Informally, his lifetime love for Philosophy came by the influence of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Wade family members, including Rev. Joseph Wade, Jr., SJ; Rev. Francis Wade, SJ; Rev. William Wade, SJ; Rev. Jarrel Wade, SJ; and Rev. Laurence Smith, SJ; motivated and inspired him. Rev. John Wade also became a trusted family resource. Gene’s studies at SLU were a touchstone for anyone seeking his wisdom and advice on the subjects of Philosophy and Theology. Friends of the family were encouraged not to get into arguments with Gene, because he could “prove you don’t exist.” He was a life-long learner, who enjoyed reading, particularly about the Catholic Church, Ignatius and his Jesuit Companions, as well as American History.

Gene came to Kansas City in the early 1960’s, when he met the real love of his life, Margaret Ann “Peggy” Massman. Gene and Peggy became inseparable. They were married at Visitation Church on November 18, 1961. Through thick-and-thin, theirs became a special marriage filled with magic and love. They managed life’s challenges with a Christ-centered union that rose above any difficulties that can come into every relationship and remained faithful to God and to each other. They remain an inspiration to their children, their spouses, grandchildren, and friends. Peggy never left his side, even until he finally went to God.

Gene had a successful career in sales and marketing. Known for his booming voice and larger than life presence, he was well-known for his devoted customer service and work ethic. He was Branch Manager for Olivetti Underwood Typewriter Company, before starting his own company, Westport Office Machines, where he worked until his retirement in 2000.

There were countless gifts in life that brought Gene true enjoyment. He loved a good Irish Toast, coming to family and social gatherings, prepared with his celebrated cue card in hand, ready to stand and raise the roof with whatever Sláinte and wishes of "good health" for anyone within earshot (which was pretty much anyone within a several block radius). He had no “Church Voice,” and there was no volume control on Gene’s operating console.

Gene cherished any time with his wife, children and their spouses, grandchildren, and extended family. The Lake of the Ozarks became a particular sanctuary of fun and reflection, sitting on the deck with a scotch and good (or bad) cigar. When asked what he was doing, he would simply reply, “Just sitting on the side of the road, being a friend to man.”

Service was of primary importance to Gene as a “man for others.” His commitment to Rotary Club #13 of Kansas City was inexhaustible. He lived a devotion to the religious life by being a member of the Serra Club of Kansas City in Kansas for more than 50 years. Although a SLU alumnus, was committed to the Rockhurst University “Honorary Directors” during its operations. When his sons attended Rockhurst High School, he faithfully served as the President of the Father’s Club for many years and was chairman of the school’s auction twice.

Recreationally, he rarely missed time with his Bowling Club. Gene enjoyed many rounds of golf with his family, but often commented it was the only game he knew of that could be played regularly and a person could get worse (“or maybe that’s just me”).

Gene cherished his Jesuit formation almost as much as his family. At the heart of Ignatian spirituality, St. Ignatius believed that gratitude was the pathway to God. Gene agreed. He knew, like Ignatius, that gratitude is foundational to a life that is well-lived, joyful, and connected to others and to God in good, healthy ways. Gratitude opens the heart. He was grateful for everything around him his entire life and leaves that as a legacy for those who love him to follow as their own way to finding God in all things.

It is with great gratitude that we remember the life of Gene Freeman with this simple prayer:

“Dear Lord, now take back the soul of Eugene Frederick Freeman, Jr., whom You have shared with us. We are grateful for his spirit, kindness, and celebration of life. He brought us joy...and we loved him well.”

Gene is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Peggy, and their five children and spouses: Eugene Fredrick “Bud” Freeman, III (Ann), Laurence Wade Freeman (Susan), Thomas Henry Freeman (Molly), Paul Jarrel Freeman (Stephanie), and Nancy Cecelia Wilkerson (Grant); and seventeen grandchildren: Danielle, Gene, Tommy (Sydnie), Cate, Shannen, Meyer, Laurence, Paul, Mary B., Bobby, Henry, Annie Kate, Frank, Jacquelyn, Margaret, Mary, and Cecelia. He is also survived by his loving siblings, many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Jim Giblin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday. March 28, 2018, at St. Ann Church, 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas. Friends may call between 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Church prior to the Mass. A Ladies of Charites Rosary will be prayed at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Rockhurst High School, care of the “Gene and Peggy Freeman Endowment Fund,” 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64114 or www.rockhursths.edu/giving.

Pallbearers: Eugene Fredrick “Gene” Freeman, IV, Thomas Henry Freeman, Jr., Robert Meyer Freeman, Laurence Wade Freeman, Jr., Paul Jarrel Freeman, Jr., Robert Sawyer Freeman, Henry Corrigan Freeman, Francis Gregory Freeman.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – For the Greater Glory of God. AMDG