Maurice D. Freeman

Morry Freeman was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. A faithful Christian, Morry was a dedicated member of Columbia City First Church of God where he enjoyed volunteering with the Youth Ministry. He enjoyed life with a great sense of humor, a good laugh and great smile. Morry was a very giving person and without drawing attention to his actions, he would help someone in need, even if it meant cutting firewood and delivering it unnoticed.

The average cost of a new house in 1949 was $7,450 with the average car costing $1,420. In technology, the first automatic streetlights were being installed, the first Polaroid camera went on sale, and the world's first commercially available computer was released. Also, RCA perfected a system for broadcasting color television, a new type of TV program appeared that we now call Soap Operas. The first VW Beetle was sold in the U.S. and the first commercial passenger jet airliner, De-Havilland Comet, takes its first test flight. Among that year, nothing was more important to William and Alice (Schutt) Freeman than the birth of their son, Maurice D. Freeman on May 23rd in Noble County.

Morry grew up on the family farm in rural Noble County and learned the value of work. He also learned that if he took up band while in school, it would get him out of doing some of the chores! He first attempted to play the trumpet but after a few weeks he switched to the saxophone. Morry also found excitement with fast cars and fueled with an ornery side, he and his friends had many memorable moments while driving around.  He went on to graduate from East Noble High School with the Class of 1968. On a blind date that same year, Morry’s future would begin to develop.  After enjoying a date with Virginia "Ginny" M. Yoder, he was looking forward to a second date but forgot to find out Ginny’s father’s name. Being determined to spend more time with her, he finally was able to find her even after a failed attempt to find her by the phone operator searching for Yoder. After three years of dating, the two were married on May 29, 1971 in Avilla.

Starting his work career, Morry became a meat cutter for Rogers Grocery Store. By 1973, Morry and Ginny moved to Whitley County where they would raise their two children, Jeremy and Heather. After 13 years at Rogers, Morry ventured off on his own and started a family janitorial business, Freeman Janitorial along with his wife. He instilled the value of work into his children and had them help when they were able to walk. In the summers, they found joy and relaxation as a family by taking vacations in Minnesota to fish. In later years it was not uncommon to find Morry sitting on his porch and taking in everything the world had to offer him.  After being blessed with three wonderful grandchildren, he was eager to be a part of their lives and even taught them the skills to shoot guns.

After the passing of Ginny on May 27, 2014, God would reconnect Morry and an old neighbor. Brenda Saggers had been a neighbor when Morry first moved to Whitley County. Unfortunately for the two, it was not long after becoming engaged that they found out the news that Morry had developed ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Brenda was there for him and as the ALS weakened him and Morry was forced to retire, she brought him into her home to help him and keep him as comfortable as possible. After two years of care, Maurice D. Freeman passed away there on Thursday morning, August 6, 2020 at the age of 71. He will be missed by many and is survived by a loving family with many memories of their own that will not be forgotten.

Morry is survived by his son, Jeremy (Maureen) Freeman; daughter, Heather Freeman; fiancée, Brenda Saggars; brother, Steve (Blinda) Freeman; sister, Susan (Steve) Hill; sister-in-law, Marilyn Freeman; and grandchildren, Eden, Wyatt and Trevor. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ginny Freeman in 2014; infant twin sons, Christopher and Jonathon; and brother, Larry Freeman.

A gathering of family and friends will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2020 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. With the current Executive Order, face masks are required for attendance. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Columbia City First Church of God, 1200 W Depoy Dr. with visitation one-hour prior. Pastor Johnny McCallister will be officiating. Burial will follow at Swan Cemetery near LaOtto. Memorial donations may be given in memory to Columbia City First Church of God towards the Children's Ministry. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Morry's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.