Billy Don Freeman (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas-Billy Don Freeman, 72, passed away on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 in Tulia. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, March 8, 2019 in the Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Eddy Helms officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia.

Don was born on May 2, 1946 in Tahoka to Truman Major and Ethel Mae Freeman. Don had red hair and after his birth the world was never the same! The family moved to Canyon where he was raised. As a small child he and his older brother Archie would sit on the street corner and sing “Rye Whiskey” to anyone who would listen. Don worked mowing yards and as a carhop at the Village Drive Inn thru his teen years. He graduated from Canyon High School in 1965. He served in the US Marines from 1965 to 1969.

He met and married Darlene Virden in 1969. They had two sons born in 1971: Steven in January and Michael in December, Top That! Don worked for Levi Strass and the City of Canyon before he joined the US Air Force. During the years in the military Don got to be stationed at Iceland, Hawaii, Italy, Korea, Germany, Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines. His commanding officer told him they wanted to win wars so they would not send him there for he would be of no use. He retired as a Master Sergeant and settled in Pensacola, Florida. He went to college and got an Associate’s Degree in Business.

Over the years Don collected lots of stories he shared with everyone. And don’t forget the jokes, also. He never failed to speak to small children; it gave him great joy to see them smile.

Due to health problems Don moved back to Texas in 2010 to be closer to family after losing his brother and his mother.

Don had many tattoos so when he got a do not resuscitate form to put on his wall he thought about getting one on his chest to make it where the EMS could find it. He never did it but chuckled over the thought.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Archie Freeman.

He is survived by two sons: Steven Freeman of Tacoma, Washington and Michael Freeman of Spindale, North Carolina, two sisters: Rita Lee and husband Joe of Tulia, Texas and Nelda Patterson and husband Pat of Amarillo, five grandchildren, one great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews who were very special to him.

It was very important to help others with their addictions; he helped for over 40 years in that capacity at AA. Don was an usher and door greeter for Calvary Baptist for over 8 years. He loved to look for old books, finding things at thrift stores and garage sales.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials be made to the Calvary Baptist Church 701 N. El Paso, Tulia, Texas 79088.

Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.