Willis was a crop farmer by trade; he took pride in his gardens, trained horses, and raised rabbits, which his grandkids really enjoyed. He was an avid outdoorsman; Willis loved to hunt with his beagles, fishing – especially catfishing, and cookouts with his family and friends. His highest honor was being called Papa, he loved spending time and making memories with his grandkids. In his later years, his face would light up as he talked about memories and accomplishments of his grandkids.
He is survived by:
One daughter:
Tammy Welch of Muskogee, Oklahoma
Two sons:
Rodney Freeman of Grove, Oklahoma
Kevin Freeman and wife Veronica of Mena, Arkansas
His grandchildren:
Susan Marquette and Stephanie Bolding both of Haskell, Oklahoma
Heather Lackey, Andrea Bosch, and Jordan Powell all of Mena, Arkansas
10 great-grandchildren
Two sisters:
Gloria Stanford of Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Kathern Davis of the Haw Creek Community
One brother:
Houston Freeman of Claremore, Oklahoma
Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of many friends
Willis was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Chloreen Freeman; his wife, Loretta (Johnson) Freeman; a grandson, Charles “Bubba” Welch, Jr.; one brother, Paul Freeman; and one sister, Vina Fowler; and a son-in-law, Charles Welch.
Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Page Cemetery in Page, Oklahoma. Burial will follow under the direction and care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: His Family
Viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.
To sign Willis’ online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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