Norman Lee Freeman, 78, of Lincoln, formerly of Friend, Neb. passed away on August 21, 2010. He was born on July 15, 1932 to Clee and Josephine Freeman on a farm south of Friend. He graduated from Friend High School in 1950. He was employed at Friend Lumber Company then worked for Shunk Trucking Company, Valley, Neb., Jack Horner-Chrysler and Plymouth Garage, Friend. He was united in marriage to Gayle D. Dean September 19, 1952. To this union, a daughter, Gay Lee, and son, Norman Dean were born.
He entered the U.S. Army in 1952 and served 19 months in Korea. He came home to wife and daughter, Gay Lee, who he had never seen. He started working for Virgel Conner, Sinclair Station and purchased the business in 1957 with business partner Edward Range. In 1961 he purchased the Mobile station and Bulk Plant in Friend, where they worked together 25 years. He sold the business to Joel and Janet Pospisil of Friend. He stayed on working for 18 years until his retirement. He continued to enjoy working with old tractors and machinery. He loved to hunt pheasant and deer and enjoyed all sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys! He loved his family and enjoyed attending his children's, grandchildren's and great grandchildren's activities.
Leaving to mourn his departure are his beloved wife, Gayle of 58 years; daughter and son-in-law Gay and Mike Gill of Omaha; son and daughter-in-law Norm and Kathy of Lincoln; grandchildren, Corey and Jill Gill of Glendale, Ariz., Michelle Gill and Ryan Gill of Omaha, Molly Freeman and Derrick Vanatta and Justine and Doug Metzger, all of Lincoln; great grandson, Erik Gill of Omaha; and great granddaughter, Thea Metzger of Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Rosie Freeman of Lincoln and Bea Whitlock of Puyallaup, Wash.; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many dear friends. Preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Al and Don Freeman, parents-in-law, Elton and Ivan Dean, and grandson, Aaron Gill.
Memorial services 12:30 pm, Wednesday, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th St., Lincoln, NE. Cremation. No visitation. Inurnment, Andrew's Cemetery, Friend, Neb. Memorials, Friend Fire and Rescue, Friend American Legion, United Church of Christ, Friend. Condolences may be left at lincolnfh.com