George FREEBORN

FREEBORN, NELSON, GIBBS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/24/2016 at 15:21:00

November 7, 1926 ---- December 21, 2016

George Freeborn, 90, passed away December 21, 2016, at his home in Joplin, Mo. George was born November 7, 1926, to William and Mable Freeborn at Eagle Grove, Iowa. The family moved to Webster City, Iowa, where he was raised and educated. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Pauline Nelson, also of Webster City, in 1952. They recently observed their 64th anniversary. Four children were born to this union. The family spent a number of years in southern California. George and Pauline retired to the Carthage-Joplin area in 1988. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Randy Freeborn; brother, John Freeborn; and sister, Audrey (Freeborn) Gibbs. He is survived by his wife of the home; son, Brad Freeborn and wife, Ada Freeborn, of Georgia; daughter, Cindy Freeborn, of California; daughter, Sherry Freeborn, of Arizona; eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

For most of his adult life, George was a machinist/tool and die maker, primarily in the aerospace industry, and he made parts that are on the moon. As a youngster, he was a pinsetter at a bowling alley. In his early years, he apprenticed with a plumber, with an electrician, and learned body and fender repair. He also worked with his father at a local bakery. He was an inventor with a patent to his credit. He could repair just about anything and his children thought he could fix a toy even if it been run over by a truck. He was an accomplished baker, especially of cookies, pies, and in the art of cake decorating. George was a devoted husband and wonderful father to his children, a good man who will be very much missed by his family and all who knew him. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Avalon Hospice for the excellent, loving care they have given to George. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematory, in Joplin.

December 24, 2016
The Joplin Globe -- Joplin, Missouri