Freet, David Nathan

March 15, 1968 - January 5, 2025

IN MEMORY OF DAVID NATHAN FREET.

David Nathan Freet, age 56, entered the presence of the Lord on January 5, 2025, following heart surgery complications. He was surrounded by his caring family and the ICU staff at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

David was born on March 15, 1968, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Louise and Bill Freet, and is survived by his wife Stephanie, son Benjamin (Nallely), daughter Elizabeth, father Bill, sister Debi, and brother Dan (Sue), along with many others whose lives he richly touched. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Louise Freet.

He spent a good portion of his life in academia, both in receiving conferred degrees and as an adjunct professor at various universities, including the University of Maryland for the past four years. He received his Ph.D. in Cybersecurity from Indiana State University in 2017 and was considered a valued professor who invested in the educational advancement of his students, both in person and online. He was currently enrolled at Bob Jones University in an advanced degree program in Biblical Counseling, a passion he intended to pursue together with his wife in retirement. He was employed as a Cybersecurity Engineer at Parsons Corporation in Fort Meade, Maryland.

David enjoyed scuba diving, firearms sports, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles in full gear. His affinity for wearing Crocs became his trademark. He was devoted to his three dachshunds (Boomer, Beatrice and Briar) and several other dachshunds over the years. He was known for his dry sense of humor and wit, and he will be greatly missed by his wife, family and many lifelong friends.

A private family Celebration of Life gathering will be held in his honor in St. Louis, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will also be held for family, friends and colleagues in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Jan. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David Freet

9 Entries

Vigs

March 7, 2025

We are deeply sorry to hear of David's passing. He taught advanced Cyber Systems courses at EKU for several years, initially as a full-time tenure track faculty member in the Applied Engineering Technology Department and then as an expert adjunct cybersecurity faculty for our grad-level special topics courses in network security management.

Dr. Richardson, Prof. Kilgore, and I worked with him closely during his tenure at EKU, on our curriculum and advisory committees with program faculty. I have fun remembrances of us attending ATMAE conferences and working on our presentations en route during long road trips. Even after moving out of state, David taught our special topics online grad course covering advanced cyber systems security courses. Prof. Coffey and Prof. Friend, who took grad coursework under his supervision -- now faculty members at the university -- note how much these interactions and connections matter to them.

David would always step in to teach for us when needed, offering these smaller classes out of the goodness of his heart. He enjoyed teaching very much and, while at EKU, was recognized with a nomination for Critical Thinking Teacher of the Year.

I recall how he would love to learn and talk eagerly about the nitty-gritty of computer security. His expertise in the area led to work with national security agencies, experiences he brought back into the classroom. David took and indeed made every opportunity he got, as he put it, to feed an addiction to learning across multiple areas, academic and religious, grounded deeply in his faith. He earned numerous educational and professional credentials, inspiring others to continue their learning journeys.

We all offer condolences to his family, especially his beloved wife, Stephanie. We remember him with thankfulness!

Sue Drury

January 30, 2025

My deepest sympathies go out to Dave´s family, he has been a life long friend to me since 6th grade. He will truly be missed! Praying for Bill, Debi, Dan, Ben and Elizabeth and his family during this difficult time

Kena Cline

January 30, 2025

Our condolences to the friends and family of David. He supported our team for years and we deeply regret to hear of his passing.

Brian

January 28, 2025

I send my deepest condolences. Dr. Freet was one of the greatest minds I encountered during my undergrad career at UMBC. He showed me what I was capable of, and I don't know if I would be where I am without his guidance. I will miss him dearly.

Sherri (Stallings) Dickens

January 27, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear this. We grew up in church at Concord Baptist and high school together. Thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace for his family.

Megan kolley

January 27, 2025

I didn't know David personally but am very sorry to here of the loss.

Joe Spicer

January 26, 2025

Members of David´s family, as St.Louis friends, Bonney and I send our sincere condolences to you. Jesus cares for and loves each of you. May David´s legacy and faith continue to fill your hearts with meaning and thankfulness. Jesus is the giver of peace and comfort. We especially desire His peace and comfort for you in these difficult days. Our prayers continue.

Ed Moncada

January 26, 2025

Debi, Bill, Nallely, we extend our heartfelt love and prayers to your cherished family. May you continue to share inspiring memories of David´s legacy of making this world a brighter place.
Mr.Ed & Angie
John11:25-26

Jean Bryan

January 26, 2025

Dan, so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear brother. Jean (Wehmueller) Bryan

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