John T. Freeman

John T. Freeman, 74, passed away on July 8, 2013 in Perris, CA. He was born February 21, 1939 in Dunsmuir, CA. He was a loving and giving husband, father, grandfather and friend.John served in the US Navy and Naval Reserve for 8 years. He and his family came to Blythe in 1966 when he became a Deputy with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. After serving 16 years with the Department, he retired in 1982. Afterwards, he enjoyed several jobs including working as a teller at Union Bank. In 1994, John was a liver transplant recipient, surviving for almost 19 more years.John was also an active member of the Blythe/Needles Masonic Lodge #473, Eastern Star, Scottish Rites and Shriners. He was an active member of the First Southern Baptist Church and enjoyed locksmithing and dominoes. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Beth Freeman; daughter Tammy (Kenneth) Fletcher; son David Freeman of Spokane, WA; grandchildren Alicia Fletcher of Blythe and Aslyn Freeman of Idaho; sister Irene Clark; sister-in-law Ethel Freeman; brother-in-law Dan (Laurel) Clark; and several nieces and nephews.John was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ralph and Pearl Freeman; brother Ralph E. Freeman; and sister Lillie McDonald.A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 11:00 am at First Southern Baptist Church, 350 N. Palm in Blythe.His hugs and smiles will be greatly missed.