Howard Donald Freeman, 91, of Lake City, died peacefully on July 4, 2022 at Haven Hospice Gainesville.  Don was born on July 28, 1930 in Genoa (Hamilton County Florida) to William (Bill) Freeman and Isabell Hogan Freeman.  His only sibling, fourteen years younger Linda Carol Freeman Griffin, preceded Don in death in 1997.  His oldest daughter Regina Freeman Miller (John) preceded him in 2009.  His wife Frances Dodd Freeman, son Donald Timothy Freeman (Katherine), daughter Marisa Freeman Ashley, grandson Daniel Ashley (Mahpara), great-grandson Zackariah Ashley, nephews Scott Gay (Julie) and Richard Lindsey (Tressie), survive him, along with many additional nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don's caring personality and love of God, nature and people, have left us all with sweet, beautiful memories.  His life was one dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and caring for others. He began preaching in his teens.  At the age of fourteen, he occasionally filled in as preacher at Watertown Baptist Church.  During his late high school years, his ministry extended as far as Statesboro, Georgia.  In 1966 the First Baptist Church of White Springs called Don as pastor.  He served there for most of his children's early years.  The family moved to Lake City in 1979.  There he served in various pastorates and interim pastorates, and held numerous revivals in most of the Beulah Baptist Association's churches in the North Florida area, and several churches in other states.  He evangelized in crusades under the auspices of E.J. Daniels and John Bos, Christ for the World organization, in Korea and other countries.  Don also led several trips to the Holy Land.  Esperanza Missions fostered his love for the Mexican people, where most of his efforts were centered in later years.

Don was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving in the Korean War as an aerial intelligence photographer.  After honorable discharge, he earned his private pilot's license and took up flying on a limited basis.  His favorite pastimes were traveling with family, photography, beekeeping, horticulture, building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, and playing the piano.

Don retired as Office Manager for the Department of Transportation's district office in Lake City.  He and Frances, married for 63 years, lovingly raised their children in a Christian home.  Don's calm demeanor, kindness, quick sense of humor, leadership and perseverance through persistent pain, are an example to us all. Memories of him always will be framed in the hearts and minds of the many friends and family members who were blessed by knowing him.

Visitation with the family will be held Monday, July 11, 2022, at 10:30 AM, at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 S. US-441, Lake City, FL, (386) 752-1954.  The funeral service will follow at 11:15 AM with the Reverend Hugh Dampier officiating.   Private Interment will be held some time later with no public service.

In lieu of flowers, Bro. Don can be honored by support of vibrant organizations engaged in spreading the Gospel of Christ.  In addition to Parkview Baptist Church, Don especially focused on the following worldwide Christ-centered organizations: Christ for the World, Leading the Way, and Samaritan's Purse.