Glenn R Freeman

Glenn Ross Freeman, 89, of Orange City, Florida, passed away on September 3, 2026. Glenn was a devoted husband to Roberta, his wife of more than 69 years, and a loving father to the eight children they raised together.

Glenn and Roberta’s life together began at a roller-skating rink in Massachusetts, where they met while Glenn was stationed at Westover Air Force Base. They married on June 29, 1957, and built a life together that eventually included eight children. In time, in-laws joined the family, and Glenn loved them as part of the family he and Roberta had created. Their marriage remained at the center of his life for nearly seven decades.

With eight children, the Freeman home did not produce quiet in great quantities. Glenn was not necessarily an early riser, but once he was awake, he saw little reason why anyone else should miss the start of the day. He was also the person his family counted on when something needed to be done or repaired. Whether it was a broken-down car, washing machine, dryer, or almost anything else, Glenn could usually find a way to fix it. Roberta liked to joke that he would knock her over to open a door for someone whose hands were full. That instinct—to notice what someone needed and step forward to help—was simply part of who he was.

His family grew to include 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and Glenn delighted in the life surrounding him. He always had a corny joke ready, especially his long-running favorite about chromosomes, and he often said, 'I have a great memory; the trouble is, it only lasts 60 seconds.' His niece remembered that he spoke to you as though you were the only person in the room: he made people feel welcome, comfortable, and seen.

Glenn and Roberta shared much more than the work of raising a family. They regularly played golf together and enjoyed traveling. Roberta likes to dance; Glenn loved it. At Kings Lake, he danced nearly every dance so no one had to sit one out, and he enjoyed teaching family members line dances such as the Electric Slide. Even late in life, he embraced adventures with his family: indoor skydiving for his 80th birthday and at 81, tubing behind a speedboat during Glenn and Roberta's 60th-anniversary celebration.

Born on September 16, 1936, in Vestaburg, Michigan, Glenn was the son of Glenn Dale Freeman and Eva Patten Freeman. Because he shared his father's first name, those who knew him in his early years called him Ross. He grew up in Lansing and graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in 1954. Soon afterward, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1954 to 1959 and attaining the rank of Airman First Class.

While supporting his growing family, Glenn attended night school and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Western Michigan University. His working life included serving as a buyer for Kellogg's, a newspaper distributor for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and a field inventory specialist for Douglas-Guardian Services Corporation.

Glenn was baptized into the Catholic faith as an adult when he married Roberta, and his faith remained important throughout his life. Alongside Roberta, he spent many years helping engaged couples prepare for marriage through Pre-Cana and supporting married couples through Marriage Encounter. He also served as a lector and Eucharistic minister and was active in the Knights of Columbus.

Glenn was always happy to drive on a family trip, provided there was a cup of coffee in his hand. His remarkable sense of direction made him a natural behind the wheel. He also loved gadgets and was often ahead of his time, owning an early TRS-80 computer and one of the family's first camcorders. Before camcorders could automatically record the date, he devised his own system: point the camera at someone and ask, 'What day is today?' It worked every time.

Glenn and Roberta raised their family in Michigan and Massachusetts before retiring to Florida. As their children settled across the country—from New England to California and many places in between—Glenn often remarked on just how far the family had spread. He and Roberta lived for about 20 years in the Kings Lake community in DeBary, later spent time in New Braunfels, Texas, and eventually settled at John Knox Village in Orange City, Florida. Wherever they lived, the family they created remained Glenn's proudest and most lasting legacy.

Glenn is survived by his wife, Roberta; their eight children, Tama, Robin, Kip (Mary), Tim (Barb), Matt (Danielle), Mark (Mary Ann), Randy (Maria), and Glenn (Kristi); 11 grandchildren, Nick, Chris, Tina, Michelle, Kaci, Amanda, Ellie, Daniel, Matthew, Catherine, and Gregory; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sue; his brother, Mike; and his son-in-law, Gil.

Service information: A celebration of Life in honor of Glenn Freeman will be held in the Barker Auditorium at John Knox Village of Central Florida on September 22nd from noon to 2pm. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served, all who knew him are welcome. At the gate, simply inform the guards that you are there for the celebration.

Memorial contributions: To honor his legacy please consider donating to Habitat for Humanity (www.Habitat.org) or The Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).