WORLD-OBITS-L Archives

From: "Peter_McCrae" <>
Subject: FREEMAN: Stephen Philip Butch Freeman--d.25/1/2006>USA
Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2006 19:58:22 +0100

Stephen Philip "Butch" Freeman
Visitation:
Thursday, February 2, 2006
6:30 PM until 8:30 PM



Service:
Friday, February 3, 2006
2:00 PM
First Baptist Church of Huntsville
1229 Ave J
Huntsville, TX 77340



Stephen P. "Butch"Freeman

Stephen Philip Freeman was born July 27, 1966. He entered into the presence
of his heavenly Father January 25, 2006 from huntsville, TX.

He is survived by the love of his life, wife Sherry and two precious
children, Hannah Claire age 3 and Stephen Nicholas age 1; grandfather J.
Philip Davis Sr.; parents Tom and Patsy Freeman; brothers Bryan and Ernest
and wife Kim. His immediate family includes an aunt, Janet Stautz and
husband David of Dallas, uncles Phil Davis and wife Rene of Temple and John
Phelp and wife Kate of Hilton Head, S.C. His extended family included the
thousands of lives he touched throughout his 39 years.

Stephen grew up in Huntsville TX and was known by the community as Butch. He
was probably the most fun loving product of Little Red School House, First
Baptist, and HHS. In 1991 he graduated from Baylor University where he
became, as the USMC described, locked on,with the burning desire to become a
jet fighter pilot with the premier defender of our nation's freedom The
United States Marine Corps.

He graduated with top honors from basic flight instruction in Pensacola,
Florida and later trained at Naval and Marine installations throughout the
U.S. and on foreign soils. His Mom had the honor of pinning his Wings of
Gold at NAS Meridian, MS in 1995.

In the Corps Butch was identified as one of the best of the best not only as
a pilot, but also as a true Leatherneck. Yet, with all of the toughnessoften
associated with being a Marine, there was a soft side to Butch. He loved and
cared about everyone with whom he became connected. In his San Diego
neighborhood he was known as the "come to guy"when anyone needed a helping
hand. His acts and deeds of charity in assisting those in need are
countless. His last flying mission in Alaska was exemplar of this love for
his fellow man.

After his untimely medical retirement from the Marine Corps, Butch wasn't
satisfied with not being a pilot. In 2004 he graduated president of his
class from the Federal Law Enforcement Academy in Georgia and joined the
flight division of the U.S. Customs. If ever there was a man who truly loved
his vocation, it was Butch Freeman.

Montana- the call sign he used as a Customs pilot, has been described by his
peers as fun loving, a jokester, one who was the life of a party, made
others laugh, could pull a joke on his buddies, or take a joke. His magnetic
personality made everyone he met truly love Butch.

He truly loved life and could squeeze more than 60 seconds out of every
minute. With all his fun and laughter and his Marine Corps toughness, he
truly had his priorities in order?od, Family, Country.

Though he traveled across the face of the earth, as per his wishes, he will
be laid to rest with military honors in the area he always called home; Red
Top Cemetery in the woods of Grimes County.

Pallbearers include brothers Ernest and Bryan, brother-in-law Robert Patrick
of Birmingham, Alabama, nephew Micah Best of Gulf Port, Mississippi, long
time friends J.C. Cooper, Mike Daudet of San Diego, California, Marcus
Nelson of Louisville, Kentucky and Rob Johnson of Pensacola, Florida.

Services will be held at the First Baptist Church at 2pm Friday, February 3,
2006, Pastor David Valentine officiating, under the direction of Sam Houston
Memorial Funeral Home. The family will receive guests at the Sam Houston
Memorial Funeral Home from 6:30pm until 8:30pm on Thursday, February 2,
2006.

A College America 529 Education Plan for the benefit of Butch Freeman's two
minor children has been established at Edward Jones Investments Co. Those
wishing to contribute may do so by making a check payable to "Edward Jones
Investments FBO Freeman children", and forward the donation to the local
Edward Jones firm, ATTN: Tommy Stewart, 253 Hwy 75 N, Huntsville, TX 77320.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, Sherry, Bryan, and Ernest, and families: I am so
sorry for your unexpected loss. Butch was such a vibrant, energetic person.
His fun-loving personality is a treasured memory of my growing up in
Huntsville schools and is probably the main reason that it is so hard for me
to believe that he is no longer with us. My thoughts and prayers continue to
be with you all and with Butch's own family. He will be missed.
From: Jocelyn del Carmen 03/01/2006 03:08 PM



I just found out last night that "Butch" passed away just under a month ago.
I was a good friend of his through The Basic School (TBS) and roommates with
him at fight school. I had lost track of him when he went to the west coast
and I went to the east coast. I would like to get in contact with his Mother
& Father (Tom and Patsy) and also his wife (Sherry). I have lots of pictures
of us when we were going through training. I think his family would like to
have them. Could you please forward this email or give me their mailing
addresses and I will send them a letter with the pictures. Thank you very
much. Sincerely, Major Joseph Courey
From: Major Joseph Courey 02/17/2006 10:30 AM



My deepest sympathy to the Freeman & Patrick families. I did not know "Butch
personally, however I got to know him through his father-in-law "Smokey"
Patrick, who was very proud of him. Sherry, my heart goes out to you and
your children. May God hold you in the palm of his hand during this
difficult time.
From: Neil Sharpe 02/07/2006 06:53 AM



Dear Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, Bryan, Ernest, Sherry and family, Butch was truly
the class favorite. There's not a school memory I have where Butch isn't
associated. And all of the associations make me smile. In 6th grade when I
moved to Huntsville, Butch was already a leader in his own right - even at
that young age. When we got our instruments in band, he amazed us all by
playing 'Star Wars' on his tenor sax - over and over and over. In Jr. High,
we were in Mrs. Woods English class together. She used to play cowboy tunes
for us every morning. I can still hear Butch singing along with 'Drifting
Along with the Tumbling Tumbleweed'. Butch always made us laugh. And now to
find out what a fantastic man he was. A man in the real sense - brave,
heroic, a joyful father and husband. I'm so honored to have known him. I'm
so thankful to know of Butch's commitment to Christ; that he's in the arms
of the Father. That is truly the greatest comfort - knowing that eternity is
close at hand and that we will see Butch again. Our Father's arms are not
shortened either. May you all rest in His love as He carries you through
this sad loss.
From: Kaiti Davis MacMillan 02/06/2006 09:38 AM



To the Freeman family: Our hearts & prayers go out to you on this terrible
loss. In reading all the condolences on this site, it is easy to see that
Major Freeman was a "very special" person to many many people. My wife and I
did not personally know your son - husband - father. We live in Alaska and
only came to know about Major Freeman through this most unfortunate
accident. Upon viewing Stephen's photo in a local newspaper and on
television, we instantly saw this was a man of charisma and character. You
can see that in his eyes. The touching testimony that Stephen's friend David
Riggs shared with Alaskan residents throughout our state, only confirmed
this belief. Being Christians ourselves, Joleen and I look forward to
someday personally meeting your son on the other side. Major Stephen Freeman
is a true HERO to the country. May GOD bless this family and help heal their
pain!
From: Mike & Joleen Hankins 02/06/2006 08:23 PM



We can not begin to express our deepest sympathy to you. Please know that
you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all. Most sincerely, Mac
and Leanne Woodward
From: Mac and Leanne Woodward 02/04/2006 12:16 PM



Dear Sherry, God only knows the depth of pain you are feeling in your soul
and I can't imagine that my words will alleviate any of that for you. But I
know in my heart you'll come through this because you have wells of strength
within you. Hannah and Nicholas will always know their father because you'll
make sure Butch's legacy of love and courage lives on through them. God saw
fit to bless you by giving you Butch and those children and you have been
lucky to have had the kind of love that many will never know in their
lifetime. Love like that never dies and will continue in your heart and
memories and in your beautiful children. My love and prayers go out to you
and your family during this tragedy. Love, Kirsten
From: Kirsten & Ashley 02/04/2006 07:51 PM



Dear Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, Sherry, Bryan and Ernest: My wonderful memories
of Butch are far too many to jot down onto paper. Even as Father Time had
put several years between our 'get togethers' we were always able to pick up
right where we had left off the time before. I consider myself very lucky in
that I was able to spend alittle cyber time with Butch before he died. Just
one week before his death I received an email from him detailing to me his
excitement about all that he was involved in ... none of which he called his
job! It seemed he truly loved his 'work' and all that it entailed. I should
mention the beginning of his email was all about Sherry and their two
children ~ I could honestly feel him smiling thru the words he had put on
screen!! I will forever count my blessings for being given the opportunity
to call Butch my friend! What a guy! I will miss him greatly. My thoughts
and prayers are with you all! Speaking from experience, the heartache of
losing someone so close never goes away...but, with time, the pain turns
into all of the unforgettable laughs, jokes and loving memories!
From: Glyna Wooderson Stevenson 02/03/2006 12:00 PM



There are no words at a time like this. we pray God's continued love and
grace for all of the Freeman family. You will be in our prayers as you go
thru this difficult time.
From: Odis & Barbara McGilberry 02/03/2006 11:58 AM




From: 02/03/2006 10:02 AM



I was so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Although I haven't seen Butch
in many years, I will always have fond memories. I don't think there was
ever a time that he didn't make everyone around him laugh. High school
wouldn't have been the same without him. His good spirit and love for life
made him a very special person. Please know that your family is in my
thoughts and prayers.
From: Laurie Anderson Ellington 02/03/2006 08:55 AM



Dear Tom and Patsy, Iddy and I are so very sorry for your loss and send our
condolences, thoughts, and prayers to you for Steven's passing. We have
enjoyed knowing you all over the years and hope you are in good health. God
bless you both and may you find comfort in Steven's memory. Jack and Iddy
From: Jack & Iddy Barron 02/03/2006 03:40 PM



Sherry, Hanna, Nicholas and extended family - We are lifting your family up
in our prayers daily asking for strength, comfort and guidance during this
difficult time in your life. May the Lord's Blessings be with you and the
family and know that He is only a prayer away. Romans 8:28 is a verse that
has always helped me through the trials in my life, I hope it also gives you
comfort.
From: Dennis, Karen, Nathan & Nikki Forbus 02/03/2006 02:53 PM



Dear Sherry and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathies during this
difficult time. From what I understand, Butch Freeman was a wonderful
father, husband, friend, and sibling; know that he will always live on thru
all of you. I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of
you, Lisa Keel
From: Lisa Keel 02/02/2006 12:41 PM



You must know how much we appreciate Butch. He gave his life so he would not
harm our friends and babies. We grieve with you and will never forget him.
Maida Marksheffel
From: Maida Marksheffel 02/02/2006 12:10 PM



We wanted to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God
Bless all of you.
From: Laurie & William Bedwell 02/02/2006 11:47 AM



Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this
difficult time. May God Bless you and your family and give you strength in
the days to come. Cathy Hayman Warren
From: Cathy Warren 02/02/2006 07:01 PM



Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this
difficult time. May God Bless you and your family and give you strength in
the days to come. Cathy Hayman Warren
From: 02/02/2006 06:59 PM




From: 02/02/2006 06:53 PM



Our deepest sympathy is extended to your family. Families are forever.
From: Earl & Sherry Carter 02/02/2006 06:48 PM



Dear Sherry and family, I am so sorry for your loss...from everything I've
heard and read, he was obviously a wonderful man. Please know that I'm
thinking about you and that I hope your happy memories of him will help
carry you through the difficult days ahead. Love, Annette
From: Annette Maddox 02/02/2006 06:23 PM



Dear Sherry and family, I am so sorry for your loss...from everything I've
heard and read, he was obviously a wonderful man. Please know that I'm
thinking about you and that I hope your happy memories of him will help
carry you through the difficult days ahead. Love, Annette
From: Annette Maddox 02/02/2006 06:23 PM



To Sherry and Family and my extended family. I am so sorry for your loss and
my heart is just broken for you. Your are all foremost in my thoughts and as
we discussed last week in my prayers. Love to you all. Debbie
From: Debbie Lowe 02/02/2006 02:35 PM



My deepest sympathies for your family, sorry to hear of your great loss. I
regret never having the honor to meet him in person. Sincerely, Conner
Allred
From: ConnerAllred 02/02/2006 02:05 PM



To the Freeman family: Your family has meant so much to ours over the years.
Growing up with Butch leaves me with many good memories. One that I will
always remember is at 9 years of age, he and I were baptized on the same
morning at FBC. Based on that, I know that I will see him again. What we
only hope for, he is realizing right now. We are praying for The Lord to
give you strength and comfort. Butch was a great guy and it was my
priviledge to call him a friend. Jim and Melissa Hodges
From: Jim Hodges 02/01/2006 09:46 AM



Dear Aunt Patsy and Uncle Tom, I extend my deepest condolences to you and
Butch's family. You are in my heart and prayers. Christopher J. Fisher,
Houston, TX
From: Chris Fisher 02/01/2006 09:11 AM



I was deeply saddened to hear of Butch's untimely death. I was very much
hoping to see him at the class of 85 reunion. I can't remember a year in
school growing up when Butch wasn't there. He was the class clown and always
made us laugh. He used to draw big eyes on the palms of his hands and hold
them up to his face and make them "blink" making jokes about my big eyes!!
It doesn't suprise me that he became such a hero to our country and to his
friends. I offer my prayers for you all in dealing with this enormous loss.
May our Lord Jesus give you "beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness
for mourning and peace for despair." God bless, Jill Kelley Tennison,
Charleston, SC
From: Jill Kelley Tennison 02/01/2006 09:09 AM



To the family of Major Butch Freeman. I am saddened by the loss of your
loved one. He will be sorely missed. He gave his life that others might
live. A true selfless person he was. He will always be remembered as a hero
and U.S. Marine defending the freedom of this nation. "Semper Fidelis" Jon
Eastman Houston, Texas
From: Jon Eastman 02/01/2006 07:38 AM



While we are unable to understand the pain and loss that you are enduring,
please know that our love and heartfelt prayers are with you all during this
time. Be assured that God's grace is sufficient in even the most tragic of
circumstances. If we can assist you in anyway, please let us.
From: Brother Joe Barnes 02/01/2006 07:23 PM



Tom,Patsy,Sherry,Bryan,Ernest&Kim, Our hearts are filled with sadness and
grief, and yet an overwhelming honor for the privilege of knowing Butch. His
compassion for people and zest for life was evident to us even in the short
amount of time that we were able to spend with him during his visits to
Huntsville. Not only is he a product of our Lord and Savior, but of his
family as well. May a special peace be with all of you for the rest of yours
days. We love you.
From: Steve, Leslie, Chris & Ryan 02/01/2006 04:07 PM



Mr. & Mrs. Freeman - Words could never express our sorrow for your loss.
Take comfort in the fact that God promises that you will see your wonderful
son again. Earth holds no sorrow that heaven can't heal. Please know that
our prayers are with you during this difficult time. With love, Carl &
Angela
From: Carl & Angela Sanders 02/01/2006 03:33 PM



Dear Tom and Patsy, I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss
of your son. It is obvious that he was loved and admired by all. Sincerely,
Lou Schickel, Little Rock,Arkansas
From: Lou Schickel 02/01/2006 02:23 PM



Butch was always and will always be one of my favorite people! His crazy wit
and sense of humor would always keep us laughing and often times in trouble
during class!! This past Christmas as I was looking through old boxes in the
attic I ran across many photos of Butch and my other friends from the HHS
class of 85. I shared with my two girls who each of them were and of course
explained that Butch had lived just down the road from me as a child and had
always been the class clown and dare devil. He will be missed by many and
remember by all! May God Bless each of you!
From: Kay Grisham King 02/01/2006 01:13 PM



Dear Patsy & Tom, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most
difficult time. Shirley & Emil Reichstadt Dallas, TX.
From: Shirley & Emil Reichstadt 01/31/2006 03:25 PM



Dear Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, Sherry, Ernest, Bryan and Bud: Words can not
express the saddness I felt when I got the call Butch had passed away. Butch
had a zest for life and could energize any room he walked into. He was a
true hero in every sense of the word. I know you all are so proud of all
Butch accomplished in his short life. He did what others dream of doing and
made the most of any experience. Butch is now soaring with angels with his
best wing-person, Gandy, at his side. My heart goes out to each of you and I
will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
From: Paula Jordan-Pemberton 01/30/2006 08:14 PM



With deepest sympthy in the tragic loss of your Son. May the Lord bless each
and everyone of your family. Julius (Sonny) Kahn
From: JULIUS R. KAHN 01/30/2006 05:34 PM



When transferring to Huntsville schools in the 3rd Grade, I was placed in
the class with Butch. Of course, being the new kid in class, I felt out of
place and didn't fit in but he made me feel welcome and was just really a
sweet kid. Throughout school, he continued to be a very friendly and
considerate person but my favorite memories are of those that include lots
of laughter. If one was fortunate to have a class with him, you could bet
you were going to have some fun as he always kept the class laughing. What a
privilege and an honor it was to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family as well as Butch's wife and children.
From: Nancy Gray-Pretzer 01/28/2006 09:02 AM



To the entire family of Butch Freeman, we send our most heartfelt
condolences for your loss. It goes wtihout saying, we know how you feel, and
we suffer your pain with you. It is so unfair to have to lose someone so
energetic, so young, so loving, and such a friend to many, but we are not in
control. We do know that you are not alone in you pain nor your prayers, for
many of your friends and loved ones are praying for you. With the love and
help of our Almighty and all loving Father, you will heal a little every
day. May God hold you close while you are go through these trials. He was
loved and I feel sure he knew how much. May God bless you all. Trinell and
James Barrum
From: James &Trinell Barrum 01/28/2006 07:40 PM



It is impossible to understand "why" the ones we care the most for are taken
from us prematurely, so searching for some logical answer seems pointless.
All we can do is be thankful, very thankful, for the time we are given with
these special souls, however brief. I am grateful, and honored, for the time
I did spend with Butch. I remember reading somewhere that some birds are
never meant to be caged. Their feathers, and their song, are simply too
bright. That's how I will remember Butch. And I'm very proud to call him my
friend. If there is a heaven, and I am certain there is, good luck confining
Butch. My guess is that he will be found soaring high above it. Fly high, my
friend, and forever. Your friend, Craig
From: Craig & Michele Barrum and Family 01/28/2006 01:47 PM



We send our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families and relatives
of Stephen "Butch" Freeman. I knew Stephen and his brothers as a child and a
teenager. From what I have heard and read, it sounds like Stephen was
defenitly an American Hero. Stephen "Butch" was a joy and a pleasure to
known . He will be missed greatly. Sincerely! Merle Remeny and Family
From: Merle Remeny and Family 01/27/2006 11:53 AM




From: Merle Remeny and Family 01/27/2006 11:39 AM



Please accept our condolences and our sympathy to you and all of your
family. Our prayers are with you. Norma Dell and Jerry D. Jones of Lovelady.
From: Norma Dell & Jerry D. Jones 01/27/2006 09:30 PM

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• FREEMAN: Stephen Philip Butch Freeman--d.25/1/2006>USA by "Peter_McCrae" <>