Paul Eugene Freeman

Paul E. Freeman, age 78, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2023, at Embassy Healthcare in Swanton, Ohio. He battled Parkinson’s disease for 22 years. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on August 13, 1944 to the late William Kenyon Freeman and Mary (Collier) Freeman.

Paul was a 1962 graduate of Olentangy high school in Lewis Center, Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 1966 and 1971, respectively. Professionally, Paul was initially a teacher of vocational agriculture, then spent most of his career in the finance/banking industry.

Paul resided in Putnam County (near Columbus Grove, Ohio) for 33 years where he and his wife, Janet, were members of the United Methodist Church in Pandora. Paul served as the church’s finance treasurer for many years. He was also a member of Gideons International, a Christian outreach. His hobbies included gardening, lawncare, cutting wood, and tracking the stock market. Paul also enjoyed watching and cheering for the Buckeyes.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Janet (Whitmore, Watterson) Freeman; sister, Ruth Pierce of Wayne, Ohio; brother, Don (Nancy) Freeman of Mahomet, Illinois; son, Kevin (Terrie) Freeman of Delta, Ohio; son, Kendall Freeman of Whiting, Indiana; daughter, Karen (Shannon) Wymer of Delta, Ohio; step-son, Rich Watterson of Toledo, Ohio; step-daughter, Amy (Jude) Hagan of Lebanon, Kentucky; 14 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Glen Freeman.

There will be a memorial open house in Paul’s honor on Sunday, April 2 at True North Church (850 W. Elm St., Wauseon, Ohio 43567) from 1:00-4:00pm. Those wishing a show of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the United Methodist Church (108 E. Washington St., Pandora, Ohio 43877) or The Gideons International (Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, D.C. 20090-7251).