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Don Freiling Obituary
September 21, 1938 - August 27, 2024
Don Russell Freiling, 85, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024. Born on September 21, 1938, in San Antonio to Russell and Virginia Mae (Harris) Freiling. He is also preceded in death by his younger brother Wayne Freiling. Don lived a life of service to others, dedication to family, and devotion to God.
Don grew up in San Antonio, where he graduated from Edison High School in 1956. His passion for football earned him a scholarship to Abilene Christian College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1960 and master's degree in 1961. It was there he met and married his college sweetheart, Jeanette (Hughes) Freiling, and together they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage.
Don's life was marked by a deep commitment to improving the lives of others and sharing his faith. As a teacher, coach, and administrator at Jefferson High School, among other schools, he mentored countless students, instilling in them the values of hard work and perseverance. Later, he found success in the insurance, investment and real estate industries, where his integrity and dedication continued to shine. Don was able to excel in multiple careers. He also preached on the weekends, as well as serving as an elder at West Avenue and University Oaks churches of Christ for 40 years. He also coached all three of his sons' football teams at the same time.
Don's legacy is one of profound love for his family. Affectionately called "Pops" by the family, he was a devoted husband to Jeanette, a proud father to Russ (Tammy), Rynn, Amy Roberts (Todd), and Reagan (Bel). His role as a grandfather to Carter, Grant (Alli), Jax, Garrett, Gracyn, Griffin, Will, and Duke, and great-grandfather to May, brought him immense joy. Don's influence extended far beyond his immediate family, touching the lives of many with his encouragement, wisdom, and generosity.
A celebration of Don's life will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Mission Park (Cherry Ridge location) in San Antonio. Friends and family are also invited to gather for a visitation on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
The family warmly invites all who knew and loved Don to join us in honoring and remembering a truly remarkable man.
Rest in peace, Pops. Your legacy of love, service to others, and unwavering faith will continue to guide us.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Freiling
Sponsored by Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge.
John C. Felts
July 5, 2025
I'm sad to hear that Don has passed from this life. We played football at ACC & have visited via phone over the years. I remember his "cat eye" (the pupil in 1 eye wasn't round). He was a great guy & will be missed by so many.
Chaz aand Trisha Neely
September 16, 2024
Jeanette and all the family, we were so saddened to learn of your loss of Don. Your family members prove that Don was a wonderful guy and a man of God. Please accept our condolences. We will pray for all of you during this difficult time.
Nancy Lehde
September 15, 2024
Jeanette and family,
Ron and I and the girls are saddened to learn of Don´s passing last month. He holds a special place in our hearts now and always.
Ron and Nancy Lehde, Heidi, Jenny, and Wendy.
Sandy Shipley
September 7, 2024
George and I have very fond memories of Don from West Avenue C of C. We are sad to learn of his passing.
Sandy Shipley
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Renee Martin
September 6, 2024
Mr Don as a special one of a kind guy! My parents loved hanging out with him & Jeanette and traveling together and laughing together. He always had a smile, and of course a joke and a kind word. He raised some amazing kids as well and I know he´ll be greatly missed. Love to you all! Reneé (Murff) and Steve Martin
Sandy Guerard
September 5, 2024
Condolences on the passing of Coach Freiling. I played football for him at Jefferson. Sandy Guerard
Scott Murff
September 3, 2024
Don was a warm, outgoing, kind man and was a great friend of my mom and dad! I remember him and his wife coming to Auburn with my parents when I was in school there and he was so impressive how he could remember people's names and where they were from and tidbits of info about people he just met! He tried to explain his memory peg system to me but I never could get it. He was such an encouragement to everyone around him. He will be missed!
Bob Scraper
September 2, 2024
He was my first cousin, friend, mentor, and spiritual leader! He was 7 1/2 years older and bought me my first baseball glove when I was 6! He and his brother Wayne were in the top 5 of men I've respected most in life (the others being their father Russell, Uncle John, and my father Jim Scraper). I will miss him the rest of my life!
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Memorial Events
for Don Freiling
Sep
5
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge3401 Cherry Ridge Dr, San Antonio, TX 78230
Sep
6
Celebration of Life
10:00 a.m.
Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge3401 Cherry Ridge Dr, San Antonio, TX 78230
Funeral services provided by:
Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge3401 Cherry Ridge Dr, San Antonio, TX 78230
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