RONALD FREED

RONALD FREED Ronald B Freed, 91, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, with family by his side at The Cedars, McPherson. He was born on May 12, 1934, in Ames, Oklahoma, the son of B Leon Freed and Myrtle (Moyers) Freed. He attended elementary school in Enid, Oklahoma, and graduated from Homestead High School in 1952. During his time in Homestead, Ron was active in Boy Scouts, serving in Troop 87 and earning his Eagle Scout Rank. He was especially proud that his troop was recognized as the #1 troop in the nation for having the highest number of Eagle Scouts. Later in 1952, Ron continued his education at McPherson College, where he graduated in 1957 with a degree in Business Administration. While at McPherson, he was proud to be a member of the Championship Football Team of 1952. He also was a Scout Leader of Troop 130. On April 3, 1955, Ron was united in marriage to Kathryn G Kendall in McPherson, Kansas. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Cheryl. Ron and Kathryn were married for 58 years before her passing in 2013. Throughout his career, Ron worked in accounting and bookkeeping and also spent time as a truck driver for various businesses and individuals. In addition, he was well known for his photography skills and was often invited to photograph weddings, high school seniors, and family events. He especially enjoyed capturing nature scenes at Kanopolis State Park, Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and Cheney Reservoir. Ron served faithfully as the volunteer bookkeeper for 53 years at the First Church of the Brethren, Wichita. Growing up on the family farm in Oklahoma, he developed a strong work ethic from a young age, helping with chores and operating farm equipment. His love for farming stayed with him throughout his life, and he continued to help with wheat harvests for over 60 years. After moving back to McPherson in 2013, Ron attended McPherson Church of the Brethren. He was a lifetime member of the National Eagle Association and Friends of Maxwell. Ron is survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Ted) Hammarlund of McPherson, KS; two grandsons, Daniel Hammarlund of Derby, KS and Scott Hammarlund of Berthoud, CO; a brother, Merlin (Nancy) Freed of Vici, OK; sisters-in-law, Barbara Freed of Okeene, OK, Judy Freed of Delaware, OH, and Lucy Cary of Austin, TX; an "adopted" daughter, Beth Ann Kendall Hanning; friend and companion, Illa Flax; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brothers, Jim Freed and Bob Freed. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 15, 2025, at the McPherson Church of the Brethren with Rev. Kathryn Whitacre and Rev. Chris Whitacre officiating. The final resting place will be in Ames, Oklahoma. Memorial donations may be given to McPherson Church of the Brethren, McPherson College (for the Moyers-Freed Family Scholarship Fund), or Troop 130 in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.