Richard West Freeman, Jr.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 15, 1938, Richard lived a life defined by devotion to community, steadfast leadership, and generosity of spirit. A proud New Orleanian, Richard attended Isidore Newman School and graduated from Culver Military Academy and Tulane University.

Richard dedicated his life to building a stronger and more prosperous community. He served as the President of Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling Co., alongside his brother, Louis Freeman, who served as CEO. After the sale of the Coca-Cola Company, he dedicated his life to breeding, riding and raising Danish Warmblood horses, and co-founded the North American Danish Warmblood Association. Richard won the U.S. Dressage Championship 100 Club three times.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, tennis, and golf with friends and family. One of his greatest and most treasured honors was his reign as Rex in 2003 on Mardi Gras Day. He shared with his family that the smells of the barbecues and cooking along the parade route gave him a one day unique reign and a true view of the New Orleans spirit of celebrating life.

Whether in business, civic life, or personal relationships, he led with integrity and civility. He was admired for his thoughtful counsel and respected opinions. His civic accomplishments are many and include: Chairman of Tulane University’s Board, Chairman of Ochsner Hospital Foundation, Chairman of both the Ella West Freeman Foundation and RosaMary Foundations, Chairman of the Bureau of Governmental Research, Chairman of the Vieux Carre Commission, and served on the Board of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Sarah Allen Freeman; his children, Richard “West” Freeman III and his wife Aimee, Adair Freeman Parr and her husband Ted, and Sarah Goodrich Freeman; and his grandchildren, Alexandra “Allie” Freeman Yeilding and her husband Edward, Andrew West Thompson Freeman, Ashly Freeman McCord and his wife Thea, Richard “Tyler” Parr, Celia Adair Parr, Ella Maxwell Freeman, Scott Goodrich Freeman, and Adair Elizabeth Carey. He was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Richard “Henry” Freeman and Giles West “Guy” Yeilding, who brought him tremendous happiness and hope for the future. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Marion Hardie Mathes, 4 step grandchildren, and 5 step great-grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his brother, Louis McDaniel Freeman and his wife Judy and his sister, Tina Freeman and her husband Philip Woollam. He is also survived by two former wives, Sandra Draughn Freeman and Pamela Levert Freeman. Sandra is the mother of Richard’s three beloved children and restored Gallier House on Royal Street with him. Richard is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Those who knew Richard will remember a gentleman who was always committed to intellectual and analytical thinking. He taught by example, demonstrating that a life of purpose is built not only through achievement but through generosity, loyalty, and commitment to community. His family takes comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the numerous civic and nonprofit causes he volunteered and helped create for New Orleans and the State of Louisiana.

A funeral service honoring Richard’s life will be on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 1 pm at Saint Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1545 State Street in New Orleans. Visitation is from 11 am - 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard’s memory to the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, www.freeman.tulane.edu, or to the Ochsner Clinic Foundation, www.ochsner.org/giving

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit LakeLawnMetairie.com