Michael Robert Freeman

The world was lessened by the loss of a kind and gracious man when Michael Robert Freeman went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 6, 2016.  Michael died suddenly on that morning, following a heart attack.  

Michael was born on February 17, 1957, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he lived until he was 18 years old.  He spent the next four years serving our country in the United States Air Force, earning the rank of Sergeant along the way.  During his service as a Radio Communications Analysis Specialist, he was stationed in Misawa, Japan.  He received the Medal of Good Conduct, the Air Force Longevity Award, and an honorable discharge.  

It was during his time in Misawa he became deep in his faith in the Lord and was baptized.  He spent much of his time reading and learning about God.  This faith gave him hope and a peace in his heart about his eternal dwelling after this life, and a longing to live his life on Earth for our heavenly Father.  

Michael began his career for the National Security Agency in Maryland as a military worker.  He later became a Senior Software Engineer working first as a civilian and then as a contractor for NSA.

Michael had several hobbies that took up his time.  As a young man he enjoyed learning martial arts.  Musical abilities came naturally to Michael.  He spent many years playing the trumpet and even participated in the church orchestra.  Guitar was a natural gift for him.  Self-taught, he played beautifully, and graced others with his gifts.  Michael had a love for old television shows and movies, which he loved to quote and use as trivia. Vintage trains and accessories were also a fascination of his.  He had visited several train shows to get ideas for building his own train layout after he retired.  Michael loved Christmas time and collected Christmas houses and villages, which he and Elvira displayed in their home.  And during summer time, Michael could be found in his garden, along with his green thumb.  His tomato crop was always abundant and they ended up with more than they could handle!   

Michael was a hard worker.  He always had a project he was working on, intent on making his home a nicer place to live for his family.  From remodeling the entire basement to building tree house and making a tree swing, his days off were spent doing things to better his family’s quality of life.  

There are many ways to describe the man who Michael was, but to really understand this man all one would need to do is observe him with his grandchildren.  Michael loved his grandchildren.  They became his legacy and one of the things that brought him great pride.  Laughter, hugs, tickling, and games of chase were number one when he was with them.  The grandkids were the light of his life. There wasn't a day that went by where he didn't mention at least one of them specifically. He loved getting down on the ground with them to play. That's where he was comfortable and where he found his joy. His love for them shone through his eyes and his actions.  And when the games came to a halt, the kids would climb onto his lap until the next round of chase began.

Husband, Father, and Gramps to many, Michael has left behind a legacy of love.  He is survived by his loving wife, Elvira Freeman.  His daughter, Christy Ferguson and her husband, Scott have four children: Chloe, Willow, Laelia, and Reed.  His son, Kevin Freeman and his wife, Karen have six children: Ibeth, Dustin, Kevin, Trinity, Olivia, and Wesley.  His step-daughter, Catherine Schooley and her husband, Zak have two children: Therese and Jordan.  His step-daughter, Kristina Shieh and her fiance, Chris Goggin, will be married in a few short months.  Michael is also survived by his siblings: Steve Freeman, Pat Freeman, and Kathy Gery.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Freeman and Anna Morris.  

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