Robert Lewis Freeman

Robert “Bob” Lewis Freeman passed away following a long illness on September 18, 2016 at the age of 84. Bob was born in Curtis, AR and attended Arkadelphia High School. Bob has lived in Metairie, LA since 1960.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Maureen Renee Ferrara (Vincent) and Michelle Yvonne Wichers (Paul); his granddaughters Elizabeth Ann Cooley-Brunet (Jared) and Nicole Suzanne Broussard (Zach); and his great-grandchildren Brooke Michelle Cooley, Victoria Gail Brunet, Kaylie Nicole Brunet, and Greyson Gerard Broussard. He is also survived by his brother Thomas M. Freeman and his sister Carolyn Freeman Jones (Sam), his step-grandchildren Dominick (Amy) and Tracy Ferrara, and Paul, Jennifer, and Michael Wichers, his step-great grandchildren Christopher and Katelyn Wichers and Luke Ferrara, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gail Elizabeth Himel Freeman; his parents Thomas Guy and Edna Smith Freeman, and his oldest sister Marjorie Freeman Manning.

Bob began his career in oil and gas in 1954 working on Texaco’s dock in Houma and quickly moved into oil field equipment sales. In 1974, Bob was the co-recipient of a United States Patent for a safety device that is still widely in use today. Bob was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (formerly known as American Institute of Mining Engineers) for 52 years and attained Legion of Honor Member status. He was also a founding member of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE) in 1978 and was instrumental in taking the organization national with over 5,000 members today. Bob was appointed the first AADE National Executive Director and was re-appointed by each President for 19 consecutive years. AADE appointed him Director Emeritus for Life in 1989 and Executive Director Emeritus in 2012 for his excellent leadership, advocacy, and devotion to the industry. He was a leading force in setting up partnerships with universities throughout the country to develop engineering curriculums and in obtaining funding to award scholarships to students wishing to pursue careers in the industry. Bob’s efforts during his tenure in the industry has touched thousands of people, earned him endless accolades, and gained him life-long friendships that he cherished. Bob was a true veteran of the oil patch. Bob’s fondest memories were of the countless hours he spent over the last 50 years organizing functions that were designed to promote camaraderie, technical knowledge, and excellence through all aspects of the industry.

In addition to his many oilfield memberships, Bob was also a Life Member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks New Orleans Lodge #30. His membership spanned over 40 years. He held numerous positions within the organization and reigned as Captain of the Elks Krewe of Orleanians parade for many years. He was also involved in the formation of the Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians when Mardi Gras celebrations reached out to the suburbs in the early 1980’s.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Bob’s life at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. until service time. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.