Roy Melvin Freese Jr.

Roy Melvin Freese Jr., 71, of Kirksville, Missouri passed away unexpectedly after complications from surgery on December 5, 2022 at University Hospital in Columbia Missouri. In accordance with Mel’s wishes no public services will be conducted.

Roy was born to Roy M. Freese Sr. and Janet M. Freese on December 6, 1950 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He grew up a farmer before finding a passion that he humbly acknowledged with the United States Air Force. Roy pursued flight training in Mississippi, had a stint in Southeast Asia flying A-1 Skyraiders, then KC-135 tankers out of Grand Forks. Through all of it, his greatest love was always The White Rocket (T-38 Talon). After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Iowa where he had numerous occupations, including Deputy Sherriff, part-time farmer, and supervisor at the Eastern Iowa Airport. He went on to work at airports in Houston and Wichita, where he worked in operations until retirement.

Roy is survived by his wife Debra of Kirksville, Missouri; daughter Monica Hanson (Ryan) of Boone, Iowa; son Brian Freese of Dyersville, Iowa; stepson Alan Horak (Sarah) of Springville, Iowa; stepdaughter Tracy Feldmann (Thomas) of West Des Moines, Iowa; sisters Mary Horn (Fred) and Elizabeth Jensen (Kaj), both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; grandchildren Sarianna, Emily, Abigail, and Atlas, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandson Mitchell Horak.

Mel, what a ride we’ve had. Thank you for the adventures.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Freese family.