TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER -    
It doesn’t matter your age, you never forget that you weren’t an only child, you grew up with a loving big brother who was your lifelong friend.  Johnny was off to college when I just turned 9  but he always let me know that what was happening in my life was important to him and he was always there for me. Johnny excelled in sports and he instilled the love for them in me and I never lost that.  I was always so proud of my big brother and that never changed. His part in teaching and helping so many children reach their potential speaks for itself.  He was rightfully exceedingly proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments.  He left this world a better place.  He will always be in my thoughts and in my heart.   

My dad,  principal, "Johnny Jingles" to many students. Dad was a great coach, mentor, disciplinarian, farmer, custodian, bus driver, teacher, principal, hunter, fisher, boy scout leader, weigh station attendant, community member and willing to go above and beyond for anyone in need. The picture I am posting is one of the best times I had with him. He was a father who always taught me all I knew but in this instance I was able to teach him turkey hunting and call in his first turkey!!! It was an exciting experience for both of us.  I recall asking him if I could help him carry the bird back to the car.  He said no way I shot it and I will carry it and clean it, as he huffed and puffed walking back to the car.  He was so very proud of his first turkey.  The joy it gave him will always be with me. He was a special man and I will miss him dearly. RIP dad. Love you with all my heart!

Mr. Freeman was the best principal a kid could have asked for.  I wasn't in trouble often, but when it happened, he'd calmly talk you through it and often told stories of his own kid's exploits to drive the point home.  He knew every single kid and some years back I ran into him in line at the Yokes pharmacy in Airway Heights and was surprised when I went to introduce myself he said "I know who you are Jenny Cesaratto".   I am so sorry for your loss.

I have many memories of John.  For a few summers when I was in elementary school, John was  a "hired hand" for my dad on the farm. During harvest he drove the tractor pulling the old trailer-type combine before we replaced it with a newer drivable machine.
 
During haying season one year, John was there to render first aid to my dad when he stupidly put his arm down the baler to untangle some twine while it was still running!!  He was the only one nearby who had first aid training and was a real lifesaver that day.  Dad's arm was cut pretty bad but was not permanently damaged.

Then... there were memories from his days as principal of the elementary school when I was there.  John always had a crew cut, wore white socks, and always carried a mountain of keys in his pocket.  The kids nicknamed him "Johnny Jingles" (behind his back, of course) because of the sound all those keys made everywhere he went :-)  You always knew when he as close by.  RIP John and thank you for your service.       

Blessings and prayers for the family.

I will always be grateful for the many years of support he gave me as one of his teachers.  Those years were my favorite teaching years.

What does a daughter say when she looses her Dad?  
John Freeman passed away February 25th at the age of 87.   He had a long life, well lived.  I couldn't even begin to tell you how many lives he touched throughout his life.  He was a teacher, principal, coach and friend to so many.  I'm pretty sure there's not one of his students or teachers from Reardan that don't have a story to tell.  But for me he was so much more.  He gave me my core values that I have to this day.  He taught me so many things...
Laughter makes problems seem smaller. 
Honesty is always the best policy.  
It's ok to take the road less traveled if it makes you happy.  
When in doubt... DON'T!  
Admit when you are wrong and accept the consequences.
Be kind, be happy, be you! 
These don't even cover the the love of sports, fishing, canoeing, nature, writing, reading and so much more.  Yes, my Dad was my super hero.  I see so much of him in me and I am thankful he was such an awesome man. 
So what does a daughter say when she looses her Dad?  Thank you for always being there, in good times and bad.  Thank you for giving me the best life, filled with love and laughter and lessons.  I will miss you and love you forever.  Until we meet again...  Rest in Peace Dad! 
P.S.  Give Star a hug for me!

OBITUARY

Johnny Gene Freeman

August 4, 1934 – February 25, 2022

Strate Funeral Home

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