EDWARD "PAUL"  FREEL

Dec. 12, 1924 - June 30, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Edward "Paul" Freel, 88, of South Bend, Indiana, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 30, 2013. Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, George D. Freel (Joyce); and two sisters, Lorena L. Simpson (Lester) and Geraldine E. Freel, all of South Bend. He was born December 12, 1924, in South Bend, Indiana, to Daniel Roy and Wilhelmine (Seggerman) Freel, where he graduated from Washington High School in 1943.

At the age of 18, he received his draft notice from the United States Army where he served his country faithfully as a sergeant in artillery in Headquarters Battery, 881st Field Artillery Battalion, Fighting 69th Infantry Division throughout England, France, Belgium and Germany. Paul, at an early age, acknowledged his need of a personal Savior and placed his faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is this single decision which would guide and direct a long and full life of 88 years.

On September 12, 1948, he married the only love of his life, Zella M. Baldwin, with whom he shared almost 65 wonderful years of marriage. God blessed their union with three sons, Edward Paul Freel Jr. (Cheryl) of Osceola, Robert Arthur Freel of South Bend and James Allen Freel (Kathy) of Mishawaka. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Kristina Lynn Lehman (Austin) of Brownsburg, IN, Kevin Edward Freel and Ryan Paul Freel, both of South Bend, and Cole James Freel of Mishawaka. In addition, he is survived by two great-grandchildren, Brayden David Lehman and Bella Rose Lehman, both of Brownsburg, IN.

Paul retired after many years as owner of E.P. Freel & Son. He was a charter member of Fellowship Baptist Church (formerly Stewart Memorial) of South Bend, as well as a longtime member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church, South Bend, where he served as head usher for many years. He was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed most sports. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all his heart. It was the greatest desire of his latter years that all members of his extended family have a personal relationship with His Lord. To that end, he takes with him his most precious possessions into eternity.

Funeral services for Edward Paul Free will be held at 10:00 AM today, July 3rd, at Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, with the Reverend Steve Meck officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to services today in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, or made online at billygraham.org. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Jul. 2 to Jul. 3, 2013.

04/15/2023 EJS

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