Elmer Raymond Freeman

Elmer Ray Freeman, 84, died May 23, 2010, at Claremore Veterans Center, Claremore, OK. Ray was born Feb. 9, 1926, in Manchester, OK, to Burton and Ethel (Barber) Freeman. He served in the U.S. Army in the closing days of WWII stationed in Ft. Bliss in the antiaircraft division. On Feb. 2, 1946, he married Elma Jefferies in Anthony, KS. Together for 64 years, they raised three children: Judy Kay (Highfill), Burton Ray, and Nina Faye. For several decades they farmed and ranched around the Amorita, OK, area on the original Freeman Homestead land that was staked in the Cherokee Strip Land Run by his grandmother. Next, Ray and Elma moved to Enid where he was employed as a master machinist. At the time of his retirement, the couple moved to Ponca City near Kaw Lake. Ray’s greatest joy was to teach his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to ski; and he continued to waterski himself until he was 78.

Ray was preceded in death by daughters, Nina and Judy.

Ray is survived by his wife, Elma of Bixby; Burton and April Freeman of Trinidad, their children Elizabeth Simms of Houston, TX, Emily Freeman of Brooklyn, NY, Adam Freeman of Tucson, AZ, Aaron Freeman of Lake Lotowana, MO; Judy’s husband, Jim Highfall of Ponca City and their children, Carrie Sessom of Bixby, Matt and Lance Highfill of Portland, OR, and great-grandchildren: Karsten and Avery Sessom, Raegan and Alexander Simms, and Kartik Freeman.

No man has been more adored and respected by his family. As an avid boater and skier, he leaves behind a herd of “skicats”. His family will honor his memory by carrying on the sense of closeness and fun that surrounded Ray.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Claremore Veterans Center, P.O. Box 988, Claremore, OK 74018, in his name.

A celebration of his life will be held in August for all who wish to join.