Richard Freeman

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Richard E. Freeman 83, of Rural Columbus, KS died 4:55am Thursday March 30, 2023 at the Freeman Hospital in Joplin, MO following an illness.

Richard was born May 28, 1939 in Oswego, KS the son of Orville Ray and Lola Luella (Allen) Freeman. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of West Mineral High School in 1957.

On February 10, 1961 Richard married Bonnie D. Johnson of Columbus, KS; Bonnie was a major companion and care giver for Richard, and together they worked as a team for 62 years to achieve all their success and dreams, she survives at the home.

Richard, following his high school graduation continued to farm and ranch with his father until his father’s passing, after which he continued with his passion for farming and ranching as a lifelong career. While farming he also worked briefly for B. F. Goodrich in Miami, OK., then he worked the night shift on Big Brutus for P&M Coal Company in West Mineral and later at the Asbury, MO Coal Company. Along with farming coal mining was a part of Richards life for many years.

Richard was of Christian Faith, his love and devotion to farming and livestock, never outweighed his love for family and friends. Grandkids and great grandkids events were never missed and lifelong friends were never forgotten.

Survivors include his wife; children Steve Freeman and wife Lori of Rural Columbus, KS; Sonja Duley and husband Steve of Columbus, KS; brother Jimmie Freeman Sr. of Columbus, KS; grandchildren Kylee Johnson and husband Trevor of Columbus, KS; Katey Freeman of Columbus, KS; Ryan Duley and wife Amy of Columbus, KS; Chris Duley and wife Kaylee of Carl Junction, MO; Great grandchildren Elsie Duley, Kynedi Duley, Creighton Duley, Wyaitt Kay Duley and one special delivery on the way.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother Ray Allen Freeman.

Funeral Services will be 10:00am Tuesday April 4, 2023 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus, KS with Pastor Duane Elmore officiating. Burial will follow at the Park Cemetery in Columbus, KS. Family will receive friends from 6-7:00pm Monday April 3, 2023 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Columbus, KS; friends may call after 3:00pm Monday. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to Borland Cemetery. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 611 S. East Ave. Columbus, KS 66725. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Columbus, KS.