(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)
Eldon Darwin Freelend, known simply as Eldon, was a loving, kind, and faith-filled man whose life of 95 years left a lasting mark on everyone blessed to know him.
He was born on September 27, 1930, in Fullerton, Nebraska to the union of Henry Albert and Iva Electa (Peck) Freelend, and he passed away on April 11, 2026, in Carthage, Missouri from natural causes. He made his home in Sarcoxie and lived a life defined by devotion, perseverance, service, and deep compassion for others.
Eldon answered a sacred calling early in life and devoted sixty dedicated years to ministry as a retired Free Methodist minister. He was proud to serve as a full-time pastor and rancher, and he carried both callings with strength, humility, and unwavering purpose. His life was a living example of what it means to serve faithfully, work diligently, and lead with integrity. Through every season, he remained grounded in his beliefs and committed to encouraging others to live with hope and conviction.
His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit, and he served faithfully in many leadership roles throughout his years of service. He gave of himself as Director of Intermediate Youth, with Christian Youth Crusaders at church, as Ozark Finance Committee Chairman, on the Board of Administration of Ministerial Alliance, on the Education and Guidance Committee, and as Vice Chairman of Osage Retreat Center in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. In every position, he brought wisdom, steadiness, and a sincere desire to strengthen the lives of others. He was the kind of man who did not seek recognition, but whose influence was felt deeply because he consistently chose service over self.
Eldon was also a man of remarkable talent and practical skill. He had a gift for carpentry that showed in the homes he built and the cabinets he crafted with care. He also enjoyed working on mechanical things, and he approached every task with patience, precision, and a willingness to figure things out. His hands were steady, his mind was sharp, and his heart was always open. These talents were not simply hobbies, because they were expressions of the same character that shaped his life, which was thoughtful, capable, and dependable.
Above all else, Eldon was a devoted family man. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, and his love for his family was evident in the way he lived, spoke, and served. He is survived by his children, Raymond Freelend and Cindy of Sarcoxie, Judith Haines of Sarcoxie, Vivian Welters and Jerome of Monett, Allen Freelend and Ronda of Carthage, Vernon Freelend of Joplin and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Freelend. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren. His siblings include Lewellyn Hiatt of Atkinson, Nebraska, Rowena Freelend of Kirkland, Arizona, Idona Sellno of Kansas City, Missouri, and Sheryl Woolsey and Windell of Oronogo, Missouri. He is also survived by a host of other family members and friends who will carry his memory with gratitude and love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Albert and Iva Electa Freelend, his beloved wives, Norma (Mounce) Freelend of thirty-three years and Lilly May “Martin” Freelend of thirty-five years; son, Paul Freelend, son-in-law, Rodney Haines, brother-in-law’s, Paul Hiatt and Gary Sellno, and his nephew, Richard Scott Woolsey. Though their absence was surely felt, Eldon lived with the assurance that faith gives, and he left behind a legacy that continues to speak with strength and grace.
Eldon Freelend’s life reminds us that greatness is not always measured by fame, but often by faithfulness. It is found in the steady hands that build, the kind words that heal, the prayers that uplift, and the example that inspires. He showed that a life devoted to God, family, and service can become a blessing that reaches far beyond one lifetime. His journey was rich with purpose, and his memory will continue to encourage all who were touched by his presence.
May those who remember Eldon do so with thankful hearts, honoring a man who lived with love, led with kindness, and stood firm in faith. His life was a testimony to endurance, humility, and devotion, and his legacy will remain a source of strength for generations to come.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home is Sarcoxie with Pastor Kenneth Filsinger officiating. Burial will follow at Wild Rose Cemetery in Webb City. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Christopher Haines, Michael Haines, Nathan Freelend, Jocob Freelend, Isaac Freelend and Nicholas Freelend. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneral.com.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.
