Dr. Robert Julian Freeman

Robert J. (Bob) Freeman, PhD, aged 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on August 15, 2026. Bob is survived by Beverly, his wife of 68 years; their four daughters and one son: Dee (Vic) Casalaina, Mary Ann (Marcus) Murphy, Robin (Brian) Thompson, Beth Freeman, Andrew Freeman, and grandchildren Hayden Murphy, Colin Casalaina, Gavin Casalaina, David Bunnell, Asher Murphy and wife AliAnn, Aslan Murphy, Melissa Bunnell, Levi Murphy and wife Campbell. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, as well as two infant granddaughters.

Bob was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on February 25, 1939, to E.H. and Edna May Freeman. When he was five years old, his parents and three older siblings moved to Ruston, Louisiana. Bob met Beverly when they were students at Ruston High School, and they married in 1958.

After Bob graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1961, he and Beverly moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he completed his master’s and PhD at the University of Arkansas. He went on to teach at the University of Alabama, Louisiana Tech, and Texas Tech. He retired from teaching accounting at the Texas Tech Rawls College of Business in 2007. Bob was the 1991 recipient of the Louisiana Tech University Tower Medallion, awarded to exceptional alumni who have brought honor to both themselves and the university. Bob was named Texas Tech’s Distinguished Professor of Accounting and appointed Professor Emeritus in 2008. He also served on the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). His graduate-level textbook, Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting: Theory and Practice, became a standard in the field and reached 11 editions.

Of his many professional endeavors, Bob was most proud of his work with Lubbock nonprofits. He was a founding member of High Point Village and served as its board treasurer. He also served on the board of directors of Carillon Senior Living and on the advisory board of Parkridge Pregnancy Medical Clinic.

Bob and Beverly have been members of Bacon Heights Baptist Church for many years. Bob served as a deacon. Their youngest daughter, Beth, and adopted son Andrew, have Down Syndrome. They have greatly enjoyed "Special Friends,” a special-needs ministry for adults with cognitive or intellectual disabilities at Bacon Heights. It is clear how much Beth and Andrew have also benefited from and enjoyed participating in High Point Village's programs.

Bob’s family will host a celebration of life gathering at Bacon Heights Baptist Church, 5110 54th St., Lubbock, Texas at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22. If you prefer to attend via livestream, the Bacon Heights livestream link is:

https://youtube.com/@baconheightsmedia?si=Xhbsal_cI6w-Qzpu

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to High Point Village, 6223 CR 6300, Lubbock, TX, 79416 or Bacon Heights Baptist Church Special Friends Ministry