Alfred W. (Willard) Freeman left this world peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday (Good Friday), March 30, 2018 at the age of 86 surrounded by his daughter, Cynthia and Theresa Judd his caregiver. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Lee and daughter Joyce Marie. He is survived by his five remaining children, Bernard, son and wife, Kathy of Albuquerque, NM; Debra Wilkey, daughter of Stafford, VA, Cynthia Whigham, daughter and husband, Frank of Ava, MO; Steven Freeman, son and his wife, Karen of Mansfield, TX and Arlene Collier, daughter and husband, David of Centreville, VA and two sisters; Mary Louise Suppes of Otis, KS and Katherine Percival of Salina, KS. In addition, Alfred was the grandfather to seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Alfred was born on November 8, 1931 in McCracken, Kansas and lived in this area with his parents, Louis and Mary Freeman, and siblings, Louis Jr., Mary Louise and Katherine. He graduated from Bazine High School where he played varsity sports of basketball and baseball. It was during his high school years that he met the love of his life, Dixie Lee Sunley. They became high school sweethearts and were married on June 3, 1953. He and his new bride lived in Brownell, KS until he joined the Army in May 1954.
He served in the Army for 27 years including several tours overseas in such places as Korea, Germany, Alaska (in the 1960s when it was considered overseas assignment) and completed a combat tour in Vietnam. After returning from this tour, Alfred was selected to serve in the United States Army Executive Flight Detachment (Presidential Unit). He served Presidents Nixon and Ford. He retired as a Master Sergeant and began a second career as a civilian federal employee until his final retirement in 1993, total of 37 years of service to our country.
Alfred and Dixie began their retirement in Ft. Worth, TX and then Branson, MO. During their retirement, they spent time traveling to Europe (Scotland, England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, and Italy), India, as well as traveling United States to visit family and friends.
Alfred was a devoted Catholic who never met a stranger. He loved his family and baseball was his game. Alfred provided guidance and encouragement to his children and grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments. Later in life, Alfred spent countless hours watching birds, deer and other wildlife in his backyard. Alfred and his wife Dixie moved to Branson to the enjoy the areas entertainment and appreciation of veterans.
A rosary service and celebration will occur on April 9 from 6 -8 pm at the Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson, MO. The funeral mass will be on April 10 at 10 am at the Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Branson with interment at the Missouri Veterans cemetery in Springfield, MO. Alfred will be laid to rest next to his wife of 62 years, Dixie and their daughter, Joyce.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, Branson MO.

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