Eldon M. Freeman

Eldon Merle "Pete" Freeman, 87, of Topeka, died Mon., Feb. 23, 2009. Mr. Freeman retired from Gregg Tire Co. of Topeka where he had been employed as a front-end alignment tech for 43 years.

He was born Feb. 10, 1922 in Lincolnville, KS, the son of Edward Alexander and Violet Fay (Oakman) Freeman. He lived in Topeka since 1940.

Mr. Freeman was married to Violet Holden Freeman on July 22, 1942 in Lyndon, KS. She precedes him in death. Eldon served in the Army from 1942 to 1945 as a Tech. 5th Gr. in the 341st Eng. Reg. and was proud to be a veteran of WW II. He was a rifle sharpshooter and received the Good Conduct Medal and an honorable discharge.

Survivors include two sons, Jack E. Freeman, Topeka and Stephen C. Freeman of Tecumseh; two daughters, Brenda Blankingship, Perry and Deborah Taylor, Oklahoma; 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Esther Faunce, Topeka. He was also preceded in death by a son, Gerald M Freeman.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Thurs. Feb. 26, 2009 Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 SW Minnesota Ave. Topeka. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery, Topeka. Mr. Freeman will lie in state after 3 p.m., Wed., where the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 2231 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66614.