Thomas Freas

Thomas W. Freas, 84

Thomas Walter Freas D.V.M.,  84, of Veedersburg, died 12:12 am Sunday February 12, 2012 at St Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Freas was born December 25, 1927 in Newark, Ohio the son of Thomas Ray and Mary F. (Bonnett) Freas. He married Helen Lois Huggins June 11, 1950 in Newark, Ohio.

Surviving family include his wife, Helen Freas, Veedersburg; daughter, Claudia (Mike) Crane, Bloomfield, IN; son, Thomas R. (Muffie) Freas, Dallas, TX; daughter, Betsy (Bruce) Hull, West Lafayette, IN; six grandchildren, Jesse (Tracy) Crane, Zac (Julia) Crane, Cody Aston Freas, Kyle Thomas Freas, Abby Hull, Daniel Hull, and four great-grandchildren, Esther Crane, Juniper Crane, Cooper Crane, and Ryder Crane.

"Doc Freas" graduated high school in Grandville, Ohio in 1944 where he was all-state in football, basketball, and baseball. He was offered a professional baseball contract by the Cleveland Indians, but chose to follow his dream of becoming a Veterinarian and enrolled at Ohio State University. His studies were interrupted so that he could serve his country in the US Army during WWII, but he returned to Ohio State University and graduated in 1952. He was a Veterinarian in Veedersburg for 23 years, was employed five years with the Indiana State Board of Health, and was the Indiana State Veterinarian for 15 years - appointed by Governor Orr and then re-appointed twice by Governor Bayh. He was awarded 2 Sagamore of the Wabash Awards.

He was a driving force behind the formation of the Southeast Fountain County School Corporation, and served as a board member for 16 years- 12 as president.

His memberships included the First Christian Church, American Legion Post #288, Lions Club, and Farm Bureau in Veedersburg; and the Indiana Veterinarian Medical Association.  He was also a current Fountain County Councilman, on the Fountain County Public Defenders Board, past chairman of the Southeast Community Foundation, and on the St Vincent Hospital Board.

Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday February 26, 2012 at First Christian Church in Veedersburg with Pastor Garland Pannell officiating, with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post #288.  Memorial contributions may be given to Southeast Fountain Community Foundation PO Box 95 Veedersburg, IN 47987 and the First Christian Church 301 N Mill St Veedersburg, IN 47987. Dickerson Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.