Matthew Troy Freeman

Matthew Freeman passed away suddenly after experiencing extreme brain complications after a fall from his roof at home two weeks prior. All family and friends were convinced that he would survive the event, but the Lord called him home. Matt’s vital organs were donated to three recipients and furthered the impact his life had on others in this world. He was 44 years old when he died on February 17, 2023 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Matt is survived by his father Mike Freeman and step-mother Leslie Freeman of Flathead Lake, Montana and mother Terri Erekson and step-father Brad Erekson of Deer Island, Florida. His siblings Ryan Freeman who lives in San Antonio, Texas, Joshua Freeman residing in Haughton, Louisiana, and Jordan Freeman living in Fort Worth, Texas continue the family name. Matt’s wife Jillian Freeman along with their two children Troy and Ella Freeman currently live in Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida and will continue his legacy.

Matt was born in Boynton Beach, Florida on August 29, 1978. He grew up in South Florida for most of his youth and remained through his adult life. He studied Aviation and graduated from Utah Valley State College with a degree in Aviation Science and propelled quickly through the civilian sector of aviation earning multiple commercial ratings culminating in an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and Captain rating in Boeing and Airbus aircraft while also being trusted as a Designated Pilot Examiner and Flight Instructor by the Federal Aviation Administration. More importantly, early in his life he met his sweetheart, Jillian in Anacortes, Washington and they began their shared adventures together while also welcoming their beloved children Troy and Ella. Matt enjoyed flying and being a pilot, but loved not flying more in order to spend time with his family in his preferred spot- on the water. Matt strived to impart many life lessons to his children while having fun including basics skills like fishing and working on machines to deeper ones of independence, self-reliance, love for our country and its history, and most of all total trust and love of his heavenly father and Lord Jesus Christ. It was Matt’s deepest desire that his children would seek the Lord with all their heart.

We remember Matt as a loving father and devoted family man with a Christ-centered focus who would do anything for his family or friends. He was passionate about the things that matter most in this life. He was a hard worker who set high standards for himself and those around him. He sought a balance to all things and desired to bring glory to the Lord in his relationships, in his work place, and at home. Matt was the man that any friend knew they could call for help anytime and the family man with a big heart that many long to model.

A funeral and celebration of Matt’s life is scheduled for Saturday February, 25th at 1pm at Coral Ridge Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with a reception immediately following. All are welcome to attend and participate in the reflection of Matt’s earthly life and rejoicing of his new life in Heaven. The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that they have experienced from so many over the last several days- family members, friends, hospital caregivers, and even strangers.

In lieu of flowers, donations to his surviving wife and children may be sent if desired through the Go Fund Me site of https://www.gofundme.com/f/family-of-matthew-freeman?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined