KENNETH FREEMAN II

MSG Kenneth Scott Freeman II Died tragically on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, in his Tacoma home. He was 44 years old. Ken was born in Germany, April 22, 1966, the son of Lt. Col. Kenneth S. Freeman and Inez Thompson Freeman. As a youth in a military family, Ken lived in several states and in Germany. He was graduated from Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1985. Ken worked in a variety of jobs but always returned to his military background, accumulating twenty years in the National Guard and in the U.S. Army Reserves. He served two tours in Iraq, in Tal Afar and in Tikrit. Ken was recognized numerous times during his Army career with awards, to include being named Soldier of the Year. In 2010, he worked in Kuwait for CSA as a contractor. Ken was predeceased by grandparents Walter E. and Vivian A. Freeman of Tacoma; Dave and Ann Thompson of Goldendale, WA; and two uncles, Stephen C. Freeman and Harvey E. Thompson, MD. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 3 1/2 years, Donna Kentley; his father Ken and stepmother Katie Freeman, his mother Inez Freeman, one sister Kristin Freeman, and two nieces Emma and Grace Pitts. Throughout his life, Ken maintained great affection for the Pacific Northwest; he summited Mt Rainier eleven times and climbed all the Cascade peaks. His family and friends prize his loyalty, his sense of fun, caring spirit, his several enthusiasms (fast German cars, German Shepherds and billiards), and his generous nature. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be Thursday, January 20, 1:00 pm, at University Place Presbyterian Church. 8101 27th St., W., University Place, WA. Donations may be made to the Best Friends Animal Society, in Ken's name, ( www.bestfriends.org ) to honor Ken's love of animals.