David Adams Freeman

David Adams Freeman, 50, Springfield, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2006. He was born January 20, 1956, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of James David and Anna Holbrook Brown Freeman. David graduated from Parkview High School. After graduating from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, David taught school in Alaska, Pakistan, the Czech Republic and the Springfield School system. David had a great love of nature and wildlife and could often be found on the lakes and rivers of the Ozarks fly fishing with his loyal dogs, Millie and Spike. A true Renaissance man, he was born to be a reference librarian, a career he began three years ago. He was a constant source of amazement for his colleagues at the Library Station for the breadth and depth of his diverse knowledge. David's wry sense of humor and easy-going/competent manner made him a favorite with coworkers and patrons. As a former science teacher, he had an instant rapport with middle-schoolers and teens. He understood their concerns and feelings. He will be remembered for his ability to make the Library Station a fun, comfortable, welcoming and relaxing place for kids. David was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Freeman and Mr. and Mrs. Harry S. Brown. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Anna Freeman, Springfield; brother, Bruce Freeman, Springfield sister, Kate Etter, Joplin; special nephew, Alex Etter, Joplin; uncles, Dr. Harry S. Brown, Santa Barbara, California, Dick Brown and wife Genny, Seal Beach, California, Tom Brown and wife Carol, Cape Coral, Florida, and Tommy Freeman and wife Rene', Willard; cousins, Dorothy Jane Bryant, Lexington, Missouri, and Molly Patterson, Melbourne, Florida. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of David's special friends and fishing buddies, especially Kevin O'Neal, Mort Shurtz and everyone at Backcountry Outfitters for their caring assistance. Memorial services will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday, November 13, 2006, in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield with the Rev. Kenneth L. Chumbley officiating. Visitation will follow the service. Burial will be in Maple Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pet Therapy of the Ozark, PO Box 9462, Springfield, MO 65801; or to Springfield-Greene County Library for youth programs at the Library Station, PO Box 760, Springfield, MO 65801.