Ralph G. Freer

Ralph Gideon Freer, 87, of Poplar Bluff, died Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. Freer was born Aug. 26, 1918, in Poplar Bluff to the late Charles Henry and Lena Mae (Cole) Freer. He was of the General Baptist faith. Retired from the United States Army, Mr. Freer served during World War II where he was awarded 3 Bronze Stars; a Good Conduct Medal; a European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon; 2 Overseas Bars and an American Defense Service Ribbon. Later in his career he served during the Korea Conflict. He was a member of the D.A.V., in Poplar Bluff; served 3 years in the Civilian Conservation Corp (C.C.C.); and was a member of the Butler County Genealogy Association. Mr. Freer also served for 14 years as a volunteer at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

On Oct. 27, 1941, he married Letha Collins, in Butler County. She survives.

Other survivors include her daughter, Carolyn Lee Hicks and husband Dale, of Hendrickson; a son, Ralph Wayne Freer and wife Gaelle, of Poplar Bluff; four grandchildren, Teresa Webb and husband Chris, Alexander Freer, all of Poplar Bluff and Allison Blake Freer, of Key West, Fla. Brian Hicks and wife Amanda of Hendrickson; three great-grandchildren, Carson Webb and Lauren Webb, both of Poplar Bluff and Luke Hicks, of Hendrickson; a sister, Betty Jean Clark, of Linn, Mo.; and a brother, William Eugene Freer, of Arnold.

A son, Ronald Dale Freer preceded Mr. Freer in death on March 13, 1970.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Ralph Mayes officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at the Old Oak Hill Cemetery, in Butler County.

Memorials may be made to the Volunteer Services, John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, 1500 No. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.