Clarence Freelove

Clarence Edward Freelove was born December 26, 1938 in Springfield, Missouri, and went home to be with the Lord October 19, 2008. Clarence grew up in Springfield and graduated from Senior High School in 1956. He joined the U.S. Navy and after graduating from Communications Tech School at Imperial Beach, CA, spent most of his enlistment at Kami Seya Communications Base in Japan. While in Japan, Clarence was stationed aboard the USS St. Paul HC, the USS Rochester HC, and submarine duty on the USS Charr. After his discharge in 1959, he re-enlisted in 1963 and was stationed in Karamesel, Turkey. Clarence spent 32 years with the U.S. Postal Service in Springfield, MO.

Clarence loved the outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping and canoeing with friends. He enjoyed restoring classic and antique automobiles, completing restoration of at least 40 vehicles. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends, sharing stories and memories. He will be deeply missed by all.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Elza and Opal Freelove; son, Michael Edward Freelove; sister, Patsy Fiehrer; and nephew, Russell Lane.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Annie; daughters Kelley S. Freelove and fiance Jeff Hicks, Kimberly A. Freelove Payton and husband Jeremy, their mother Donna Hollis Freelove, Joy Lee Weber and Dave Sturgis; son Riley C. Freelove and wife Marie; grandchildren Benjamin Freelove Vaughan and Lauren Freelove Payton; sisters Leona Lane, Jean Ann Needham and husband Randy, Catherine Wright and Michael Poplawski; brother Ronald Harness and wife Roma Lee; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Clarence accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 14 at Bible Baptist Church and rededicated his life to the Lord at Liberty Full Gospel Church in 2001. He loved the Lord and requests that family and friends not mourn his passing, but celebrate his life and look forward to joining him in the Kingdom of God.

A funeral service will be held at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut on Wednesday October 22, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. No visitation is planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 1616 S. Eastgate Ave, Springfield, MO, 65809, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, P. O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO, 65102.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.