Stephen Craig Freeman

Stephen Craig Freeman, 78, of Weston, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026. Known to all as Craig, he was a proud United States Air Force veteran, a pilot, a family man, and a person whose quiet strength and steady love shaped every life he touched.

Craig was born on May 18, 1947, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Ivan Conn Freeman and Brownie Ninetta (Hurd) Freeman. The family later moved to Dayton, Ohio, where Craig grew up and graduated from Wilbur Wright High School, Class of 1965.

Craig enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation, where he served with honor during the Vietnam War. A born aviator, Craig later earned his wings and became a pilot. His love of flight stayed with him for the rest of his life.

After his military service, Craig attended Wright State University, and later Central Michigan University, ultimately earning his Masters of Science in Administration. Craig spent his professional career as a contract negotiator for the federal government at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, spending decades in public service before his retirement in 2011.

In April of 1981, Craig married Sheryl Nelson, and they shared 26 years together. They were true partners: making their home in the Dayton area, raising two children, and filling their lives with warmth and laughter shared with friends and family. Sheryl was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and passed away in 2007, but her spirit never left the family she and Craig built together.

After retirement, Craig traded Ohio winters for Florida sunshine, settling in Pembroke Pines and later Weston. He was a proud father to his daughter, Stefanie, and his son, Scott, and an attentive and loving grandfather to Mary, Laura, and Katherine Freeman.

Craig was preceded in death by his wife, Sheryl (Nelson) Freeman; his parents, Ivan Conn Freeman and Brownie Ninetta (Hurd) Freeman; his sister, Dawn (Freeman) Gillberg; and his uncles, Brent Hurd and John Price.

He is survived by his son, Warren Scott (Erin) Freeman of Weston, Florida; his daughter, Stefanie (Mankaran) Grewal of San Francisco, California; his three granddaughters, Mary, Laura, and Katherine Freeman; his brother, Blake Freeman of Nashville, Tennessee; his brother-in-law, Eric Gillberg; his niece, Amber (Gillberg) Orton and her family; and many dear friends who became family along the way.

Craig and Sheryl will be laid to rest together at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wreaths Across America, an organization that works to honor those who served, and strives to teach our next generation the value of freedom.

Blue skies and tailwinds, Dad.

Mom saved you a margarita.