Dennis Freeman

Dennis Freeman

LOGANSPORT, LA- Dennis Freeman of Logansport, Louisiana went to be with our Lord Friday, November 23, 2007 after a heroic battle with cancer. He loved his family so dearly that he fought until the end. Dennis was born the youngest of six boys to Britt Annie and L.L. Freeman in Joaquin, Texas on April 23, 1940.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, J.C. Freeman and Travis Freeman. Along with his family, he most loved God and his church, his town, and the residents of this area.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 46 years, Katherine Thomas Freeman, who never left his side, his daughters Susan Simmons and husband Steve of Frisco, Texas, Kathy Alger and husband Billy, and Pam Freeman, all of Logansport. He has five beloved grandchildren who were the light of his life: Bryce, Craig and Aaron Alger, Sean Simmons and Ava Katherine Vowell. He is also survived by his three brothers, Billy Freeman and wife Margaret of Tenaha, Texas, Dale Freeman and wife Vanda of Rockport, Texas, Charles Freeman and wife Francis Ruth of Frisco, Texas. Other survivors are brother-in-law, Norrell Thomas and wife Tommie of San Augustine, Texas, sister-in-law, Barbara Peterson and husband Al of Benton, mother-in-law Mrs. Norrell Thomas of Logansport, and many nieces and nephews.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Logansport, singing in the choir until he was no longer able.

Dennis was a graduate of Northwestern State University and owned Freeman Insurance Agency, working as an independent insurance agent for nearly 40 years.

Dennis was a leader throughout his life, working constantly to better his town and community. He served as Mayor of Logansport for 23 years, charter president of the Logansport Lions Club, Logansport Chamber of Commerce, Logansport Development Corporation, and Logansport Athletics Booster Club. He was long-time member of the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce.

As Mayor, Dennis was instrumental in securing many grants for water, streets, sewage, parks and local government. He also helped to establish the first fire district in the parish, sponsored local EMT training, which led to the establishment of an ambulance district in the parish. He served as District Vice President of the Louisiana Municipal Association, Vice Chairmen of the Coordinating Development Corporation, board member of the Sabine River Authority, member of the steering committees that helped develop Mundy Landfill for DeSoto Parish and the Alternative School Program for DeSoto Parish schools, and was on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Logansport. Just before his death, Dennis was working with the DOTD from Texas and Louisiana to build new bridges and highways between the two states.

He was true public servant, Christian, father, husband, and friend to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the town of Logansport.

Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church of Logansport Sunday, November 25 from 4:00 to 6:00. Funeral services will be held at the church Monday, November 26 at 3:00 officiating will be Kemper Smith. Burial will be at the Logansport City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ronald McBride, Larry Bagley, Porter Dowling, Tom Thompson, Mike Parker, King Vidler, John Garmany and Rex Clark.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Lewis Bryant, Glen Price, Quinn Dillard, Max LeComte, Ken Hendrickson, Harold Cornett and Curtis McCune.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the First United Methodist Church of Logansport, God's Food Pantry of Logansport, the American Cancer Society, or St. Jude Hospital.