Kenneth S. Freer
d. May 1, 2016
Kenneth S. Freer passed away Sunday, May 1, 2016 at the age of 96. He was born November 28, 1919 to Earl and Maude Elizabeth Huff Freer.
He married Vena Allen on October 2, 1940. She survives him. They have been married for 75 years. They have three children, Kenyon (deceased), Lynn (Carol) Freer of Sherman, Richard Freer of Athens; sisters, Peg Hurt of Pekin, Helen Gwillim of Alton; brother, Bobby Abeln of Athens. Also survived by nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by brothers, John, Jim, Louis, Paul Abeln, and sisters, Pauline Duiggiud and Charlotte Ethell.
Kenneth served in W.W. II in the 399th Infantry from January 18, 1944 thru February 9, 1946, surviving the Battle of the Bulge. He also served for the Illinois National Guard from June 2, 1957 until June 1, 1960 and from August 24, 1960 until August 23, 1963.
He married Vena Allen on October 2, 1940 in St. Charles, Missouri.
Mr. and Mrs. Freer operated a grocery business in Athens for 26 years.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church.
He is a member of the American Legion and Athens Van Meter Lodge.
Graveside services will be held on 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Joel Hall cemetery in Athens.
Rev. Paulette Cott will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Athens United Methodist Church
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Posted May 2nd, 2016 at 8:03 pm
Sorry for your loss. Always loved going into the store. Thoughts and prayers.
Posted May 3rd, 2016 at 10:50 am
Sending hugs and prayers to the whole Freer Family.
I loved going into the store when I was first married and came to Athens. Mr. Freer was always so kind to me and always had a big welcoming smile. So sorry for your loss.
Posted May 3rd, 2016 at 11:00 am
Rick…..so sorry for your loss,,,,,he was a very nice person
Posted May 4th, 2016 at 8:18 am
Sorry for your loss. I have fond memories going into the store as a kid. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Posted May 5th, 2016 at 8:18 am
Ken and Vena are two of the best people I have ever known. They were like a second family to me and I couldn’t have been any luckier than to have spent my last two years of high school working at their grocery.
Ken was a hero in my book. It’s little wonder he is included in what they call “The Greatest Generation”.
Not only did he serve his country, risking everything, but he returned home a wonderful man, filled with love, kindness, and a willingness to serve his community, his church, his family and friends.
Nancy and I will miss him greatly. Our sincerest condolences to Vena, Lynn, Rick and family. A tremendous loss. Now we are left with only memories of Ken, many of which are some of our best.
Godspeed, Kenny!
Posted May 5th, 2016 at 5:46 pm
Rick, sorry again for your loss and prayers be with you. If you need anything, let me know.