Isparhecher "Spi" Freeman

Memorial service for Isparhecher "Spi" Freeman will be 11 a.m., Wed., Nov. 23, at the Musgrove-Merriott-Smith Chapel with Pastors David Long and Pat Freeman officiating.

Spi died Sun., Nov. 20, 2011, at Grace Living Center, Tahlequah, at the age of 95.

The son of John Freeman, Jr. and Cogee (King) Freeman was born Aug. 4, 1916, in McIntosh County. Spi grew up in the Eram community south of Okmulgee. He enjoyed playing basketball and running track, and graduated from Eram High School in 1936. Spi continued his education at Northeastern State University supporting himself as a short order cook. In 1942, he married Juanita Fawn Horner. He was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S.P.H.S. Claremore Indian Hospital where he retired as a procurement officer in 1972. Spi was a member of First United Methodist Church, Will Rogers Masonic Lodge #53, and Lion's Club. He enjoyed bowling and hunting, but especially loved fishing.

Spi is preceded in death by his wife, Juanita; his parents; his siblings: Nora, Jesse, Louise, Andrew, Annie, Ida, Liza Mae, Joanna, and John Jr..

He is survived by his sons: Ronald G. Freeman and wife, Linda of Windsor, NC, and John H. Freeman and wife, Sandi of Tahlequah; brother, Ruben Freeman of Sand Springs; sister, Renna Magana of Madera, CA; grandchildren: Aaron Freeman of Tulsa, Ryan Freeman and wife, Toni of Tahlequah, and Andrew Freeman of Tahlequah; great-grandchildren: Brenli Ryan Freeman, Andrew Magana, and Dominic Magana; and close friend, Allene Gilbert.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.