1921
John
2007
John Freese, Sr.
October 27, 1921 — October 27, 2007
John Calvin Freese, Sr., 86, passed peacefully on Oct 27, 2007. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 2nd at D.W. Newcomer?s Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. Graveside services will be 12:30 p.m., Friday at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS, with military honors. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1st at the Overland Park Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to American Cancer Society.
He was a dedicated husband to his wife of 64 years, Alberta. The couple met in New York City during World War II, where Alberta, from Denver, worked for Western Union. John inspired his 13 children and 23 grandchildren with his strong morals, positive work ethic and his ?never give up? attitude. He often worked three jobs to support his family. John?s sense of humor never failed to brighten the day of family, friends, and acquaintances. He was known lovingly to his family and friends as the ?Energizer Bunny.?
John was proud of his service with the Marines and Navy for 24 years, including the time he spent playing in the Marine Corps band. Shortly after the war, John was employed by Chicago Southern Airlines, but he re-enlisted in the Navy and retired from the Olathe Naval Air Station in 1963. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Fleet Reserve Association. After retiring from the Navy, he began a second career with Trans World Airlines in Kansas City. TWA employee benefits emphasized the educational value of travel, and John and his family embraced the opportunity to travel the world and learn about other cultures until he retired in 1985.
John was born Oct 21, 1921, in New Orleans and never forgot his roots. He loved the city's cuisine and music, and once played the French horn in a band with New Orleans legend Al Hirt. Because World War II interrupted his college education at LSU, a determined John enrolled at Johnson County Community College and earned an AA degree at age 52. Through the years he was a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary and Holy Cross parishes. He resided in Overland Park for 54 years.
John was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Westall, and son, Robert. He is survived by his wife Alberta, children John Jr., Albert, Wade, Theodore, Anna Hilleary, Elizabeth, LTC Lorraine Carney, Barbara Tomlinson, Joy Chibnall, Sylvia Nichols and David; 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank those in the medical profession who kept the candle burning all these years.
He was a dedicated husband to his wife of 64 years, Alberta. The couple met in New York City during World War II, where Alberta, from Denver, worked for Western Union. John inspired his 13 children and 23 grandchildren with his strong morals, positive work ethic and his ?never give up? attitude. He often worked three jobs to support his family. John?s sense of humor never failed to brighten the day of family, friends, and acquaintances. He was known lovingly to his family and friends as the ?Energizer Bunny.?
John was proud of his service with the Marines and Navy for 24 years, including the time he spent playing in the Marine Corps band. Shortly after the war, John was employed by Chicago Southern Airlines, but he re-enlisted in the Navy and retired from the Olathe Naval Air Station in 1963. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Fleet Reserve Association. After retiring from the Navy, he began a second career with Trans World Airlines in Kansas City. TWA employee benefits emphasized the educational value of travel, and John and his family embraced the opportunity to travel the world and learn about other cultures until he retired in 1985.
John was born Oct 21, 1921, in New Orleans and never forgot his roots. He loved the city's cuisine and music, and once played the French horn in a band with New Orleans legend Al Hirt. Because World War II interrupted his college education at LSU, a determined John enrolled at Johnson County Community College and earned an AA degree at age 52. Through the years he was a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary and Holy Cross parishes. He resided in Overland Park for 54 years.
John was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Westall, and son, Robert. He is survived by his wife Alberta, children John Jr., Albert, Wade, Theodore, Anna Hilleary, Elizabeth, LTC Lorraine Carney, Barbara Tomlinson, Joy Chibnall, Sylvia Nichols and David; 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank those in the medical profession who kept the candle burning all these years.
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