Bill Freeman Obituary

Bill Freeman

Bill Freeman, 84, of LeRoy, KS, passed away Friday, December 18, 2015, at the Life Care Center in Burlington.

He was born January 27, 1931, in Burlington, the son of Harold and Erma (Herr) Freeman.

He grew up in Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School in 1949. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Emporia State University in 1953 where he was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon. He was a four-year football letterman at guard at Emporia State. He later earned a Master's Degree from the University of Kansas.

On August 22, 1954, Bill and Joan Bader were married at the First Christian Church in LeRoy. They became the parents of a son, Jeff, and a daughter, Jennifer.

Bill coached and taught physical education at Baxter Springs, LeRoy, Osawatomie, Parker Rural and Lawrence. His first State Football Championship came at LeRoy High School. He then won 2 State Football Championships at Osawatomie High School. He built a dynasty at Lawrence where his teams played in 10 consecutive Class 6A State Championships – 1986-1995, winning 5 State Championships. His overall record at Lawrence was 134-38. Five of his players went on to play in the NFL. He also coached track and won 2 State Track Titles at Lawrence.

Coach Freeman was enshrined in the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. He was also selected to the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame in 1996 by the Jayhawk Chapter in Lawrence, was a recipient of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame's Pride of Kansas Award, and has been inducted into the Emporia State Hall of Fame and the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame. He was a Shrine Bowl Coach in 1973.

Following his retirement Bill moved back to LeRoy in 1990 where he owned 1st National Bank of LeRoy. He was very active in the LeRoy community serving as Mayor for 21 years. He was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as Deacon. He was also a member of Neosho Lodge #27, A.F. & A.M., the Coffey County Historical Society, and the Allen County Community College Endowment Assoc. He was a board member of CASA and in early years served in the Kansas National Guard.

Bill enjoyed all sports, history, traveling, his grandchildren, and life in general. One of his greatest enjoyments was seeing his players and students become successful later in life.

Bill is survived by Joan, his wife of more than 61 years, of the home in LeRoy; his son, Jeff Freeman, LeRoy; his daughter, Jennifer Nauertc and husband Bob, LeRoy; three grandchildren, Tyler, Bryson, and Kaitlyn Meats; his sister, Helen Sherrick and husband Don, Hutchinson; his brother-in-law, Bob Bader and wife Joan, LeRoy; a niece, Debbie Mitzner; four nephews, Doug, Jon, Eric, and Joe Bader; and an untold number of former students, players, and friends who were impacted in a positive way by Bill. He truly will be missed.

Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, December 21, 2015, at the First Christian Church in LeRoy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the SCCHS Athletic Dept. (Southern Coffey County High School) and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.

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