Roger Wallace Freestone

FREESTONE, Roger W.
formerly of Kalamazoo, MI Roger Wallace Freestone was born April 1, 1919 in Bangor, Michigan to Wallace and Marene Nicholas Freestone. He had an active childhood with his younger brothers Warren and Kenneth, and attended Bangor High School where he played two years of football. In his youth, he began what was to become long years of service in the Boy Scout organization before marrying Virginia Cargo in 1937 and his son, Paul Wallace, was born in 1938. Virginia passed away in 1941 due to complications of diabetes. He married Florence Clinard in 1944. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Army Infantry and fought in the Philippine campaign as a Sergeant/Squad leader after which he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star medal for his heroic duty. He later became a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts, serving also as Area Commissioner, and received the Silver Beaver Award for his exemplary service to the organization. Peggy Marene was born to the family in 1948. Roger was employed prior to his military service by The Upjohn Company and Bryant Paper Company, then for Fuller Manufacturing later Eaton Corporation which produced heavy duty truck transmissions. He was employed there for 35 years before retiring at 57 as a precision grinding specialist. He and his family resided in the rural Kalamazoo area. He spent much time throughout his life in the outdoors -- traveling and camping with family, as well as hunting and fishing with his brothers and friends. He was an avid vegetable gardener, and a skilled handyman in the community. He was past Master of the West Oshtemo Grange, a member of Northwest United Methodist Church, and a life member of the Fraternal Order of Masonry which included Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite Consistory, and Shrine. After retirement, he and Florence resided six months of the year at Bahia Vista Estates in Sarasota, Florida, where they made many new friendships and attended the nearby Methodist Church. Florence preceded him in death in 2002 after a valiant battle with cancer. Roger also used his skill as a handyman to serve residents at Bahia Vista Estates until 2009. Roger was a friend to many, and enjoyed serving others until he was recently no longer physically able. He is survived by his son Paul Laurel Freestone, daughter Peggy Steven Taylor, grandchildren John Sara Freestone, Sarah James Vist, and Nathan Carissa Taylor, great-grandchildren Ashleigh, Carter, and Hannah Freestone, Bradley Vist, Carly and Katie Johnson, Cadence, Colby, and Conor Taylor. He is survived by his brother, Warren, although his brother Kenneth preceded him in death in 1991. He had a special relationship with his nephew Gordie Freestone, and leaves two more nephews, two nieces; sisters-in-law, Jane Freestone and Edith Hartman. He is also survived by a dear friend Rose Blower. Roger passed away September 3, 2010 in Life Care Center, Plainwell, Michigan. A Memorial service officiated by Pastor Sheila Baker will be held at the Northwest United Methodist Church, Kalamazoo, on Saturday, September 11th at 11:00 o'clock, followed by a graveside service at Arlington Cemetery, Bangor, with military honors by the Wilcox-Eastman-Salinas American Legion Post #160, Bangor. Memorials may be made to Northwest United Methodist Church, 3140 N. 3rd Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. Please feel welcome to share a memory with the family at www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com and/or www.langelands.com