James Rex Freeman

James Rex Freeman, 95, died Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Nicol Home, Glasco, Kan., where he resided since May 2021.

Rex was the eldest child born to James Daniel and Irma Blanche Bennett Freeman on the family farm northeast of Mankato on Dec. 2, 1926. He was baptized and became a member of the Christian Church of Mankato in 1960. He attended country schools and graduated from Mankato High School in 1944.

Rex was drafted into the United States Navy in June 1945; serving overseas on the USS Obstructor (ACM 7) and USS Vincennes (CL 64). He was honorably discharged in August 1946 and returned to Jewell County to work on the family farm.

Rex married Thelma Mae Means on Nov. 23, 1947, in Woodston, Kan. They settled on a farm south of Mankato where all four of their sons were born. Later the family moved to Mankato where Rex worked for L & B Electric and then Jewell Mitchell REC where he retired in 1988.

Rex enjoyed camping, working on his 10-acre homestead southeast edge of Mankato, and especially enjoyed visits from his children and grandchildren. He and Thelma attended the Kansas State Fair for 34 years where they enjoyed meeting family and friends. Other hobbies included dancing, bowling and woodworking. He was a lifetime active member of the VFW Post 7830 in Mankato; active member of the Christian Church of Mankato where he served on the board and was active in the planning and building the new church in 1995-96.

Rex was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, of 62 years; his mother and father; one brother, Don; sister-in-law, Sheila; brother-in-law, Bill and daughter-in-law, Naomi Freeman.

Survivors include four sons, Jim and Jeannie Freeman, Palm Coast, Fla.; Max and Judy Freeman, Belleville; Dale and Joanne Freeman, Mankato and; Bob and Deanna Freeman, Jewell; 12 grandchildren, James P. Freeman (Lisa), Palm Coast, Fla.; John Freeman (Michele) KC; Jeff Freeman (Becky) KC, Mo.; Janelle Staats (Todd) Garden City, Kan.; Jennifer Freeman, Seth Freeman, Manhattan; Tyne Wolters (Landon) Belleville; Mike Freeman (Kathy), Hays; Corey Freeman, Phillipsburg; Adam Freeman (Jessica) Salina; Chris Freeman (Shanna), Wakefield; Bobi Fogo (Chad), Mankato; two step-grandchildren, Jian Fajardo and Noreen Fajardo, Palm Coast, Fla.; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; sister, Carrie Rinehart, Colorado, Springs, Colo.; sisters-in law, Twila Means and Sharon Tullar, Jewell; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation was from 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday March 30, at Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell.

His funeral is at 1:30 p.m., today (Thursday) March 31, at the Christian Church of Mankato. Inurnment will be at later date. Kleppinger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may go to the Nicol Home, Glasco, Kan.; Meadowlark Hospice, Clay Center, Kan.; or Christian Church of Mankato.

For online condolences, please visit kleppingerfuneralhome.com.