Paul Freeman

Paul Franklin Freeman, son of Ernest and Mae (Woods) Freeman was born March 23, 1933 in Courtland, KS.  He passed from this life suddenly on September 11, 2019 at the Republic County Hospital, Belleville, KS at the age of 86 years, 5 months, and 19 days.

Paul was raised on a farm southeast of Courtland where he attended country school at Center District #96 then graduated from Courtland High School in 1951.  He graduated from Kansas State Agricultural College in 1955 before it became known as Kansas State University.  Paul returned home and began his life’s work beside his father on the farm.  He shared his passion of farming with others and lead by example while instilling good work ethics.

He was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Lindberg on September 9, 1961.  They were blessed to celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary two days before his passing.  Paul’s unwavering devotion while caring for his wife at home was admirable.  To this union two children were born:  Brian Dale in 1962 and Diane Jean in 1964.

Paul was a 62-year member of Courtland Lodge #211 A.F. & A.M. and he was a 35-year member of ISIS Shriners and The Scottish Rite of Salina.  He was also generous in serving his community.  Paul was elected to the Courtland Township Board, spent many years on the Courtland cemetery board, participated in the Courtland Pride Club, and was on the Republic County Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund committee.   He took great pride in supporting the Republic County Historical Museum and was known for his vast knowledge of local history.

Paul was a faithful member of the Courtland Covenant Church where he served as Chairman of the Board for many years.  He was very proud of his Swedish heritage and shared his vocal talents by singing Swedish lyrics of special hymns during holiday church services.

Paul was a good neighbor and friend to all.  Upon retirement, Paul and Beverly moved to town where he enjoyed morning coffee with friends, watching the grandchildren’s activities, Friendship Club bus trips and traveling with good friends.  Paul enjoyed attending threshing bees, driving antique tractors in area parades and was a true K-State fan.

He is preceded in death by his parents and great grandson Cayden Michael Dunstan.

He will be forever remembered by his wife Beverly of their home, son Brian and wife Diane of Courtland, KS, daughter Diane Hobson and husband Ryan of Chatham, IL,  Grandchildren:  Joshua Hobson of Courtland, KS, Brandon Hobson of Normal, IL, Crystal Dunstan and husband Earl of Scandia, KS, Craig Henderson of Courtland, KS,  Sharla Henderson of Wichita, KS, Heather Huber of Salina, KS, and Travis Huber of Manhattan, KS, and his great grandchildren:  Aubrey and Paisley Dunstan, Kash and Clay Henderson.

Paul leaves this life as an incredible man who impacted many lives in his 86 years and he will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be on Sunday, September 15th, 2019, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 16th, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., at the Courtland Covenant Church in Courtland, Kansas, with burial following at the Courtland Cemetery.

Memorials are requested to the Courtland Covenant Church, Pike Valley Foundation, Republic County Historical Society and Museum, or the Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home of Belleville assisted the Freeman family with these arrangements.