Sam W Freeman Jr.

Sam W Freeman, Jr. of Evansville, Indiana passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on September 23, 2016. Born on November 21, 1928, Sam grew up in Evansville and attended F. J. Reitz High School where he played football and basketball and was nicknamed “Bones” for his tall and slim stature. Sam was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War where he was injured in combat and honorably discharged in 1952, receiving the prestigious Purple Heart medal. After his military service, he attended the University of Evansville and earned a BA in Business Administration in 1957. Sam had a successful career in the lawn and garden and manufacturing industries. He was the National Sales Manager of Hahn Incorporated in Evansville for more than 25 years, and Vice President of Hoosier Stamping. He retired in 1996 from Hoosier Stamping and was celebrated for his contribution to growing that company to an international level. Along with his wife, Patricia (Pat) Stratman Freeman, Sam was a longstanding member of St. Mark’s United Church of Christ. He served on the Church Council, taught Sunday school and volunteered in many capacities for the church. He was also a member of the Hadi Shriners organization color guard and President of the West Side Civitan Club. In his retirement, he enjoyed visiting with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing bridge and meeting his friends for lunch at the Huddleback Club. He loved landscaping and lawn care, making all of his front lawns the envy of the neighborhood. Sam is survived by his wife of 61 years, daughters Karen Schmitt, Linda Morris (Don) and Vicki Pugh (Tim); a son, Stan Freeman (Judy); grandchildren, Lindsay Compitello (Tom), Carly Morris, Lacy Kittle (Pat), Nicholas Freeman, Samantha Freeman, Aline Pugh and Grace Pugh; and great-grandchildren, Cannon, Pierson, Vivianne, Catherine, and Magdelina. The family is grateful to the nursing staff and doctors in the trauma ICU and Hospice Units of Deaconess Hospital. They also wish to express their gratitude to Dr. William Hardesty for his many years of dedicated care and to Sam’s VA Caregiver, Schelece. Funeral services will be held at 6 PM on Monday, September 26 at St. Mark’s United Church of Christ, 7501 Hogue Road, Evansville, IN, 47712. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 PM until 5:30 PM on Monday prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the R-Men’s Club Endowment Fund and will be used to support scholarships for Reitz High School Athletes, by making checks payable to R-Men Varsity Club, P.O. Box 6071, Evansville, IN 47719-0071 or to a charity of your choice.

Sam W Freeman Jr.

November 21, 1928 - September 23, 2016