Charles Edward Freeman

Charles Edward "Chuck" Freeman went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Johnson County, Texas near Mansfield. 

He was born in Houston County, Texas, on August 15, 1946, the son of the late Edward Alvin and Wilma Cryer Freeman. 

While growing up in Odem, Texas, Charles was an outstanding athlete in high school, excelling in basketball, football, track, and baseball. After graduating from high school in 1964, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and at the age of eighteen, was flown to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as an Air Traffic Controller for over six years during the Vietnam War. 

Always known as a man of great empathy and integrity, Chuck wore black undershirts throughout the majority of his life in memory of the 58,220 Americans who were killed during the Vietnam conflict. 

Upon returning from service in the Air Force in 1971, Charles moved to Austin, Texas, where he later enrolled in the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin.  

In 1997, when Frank Callahan invited Charles Freeman to join him, they formed the company, Callahan and Freeman, Architects, a multi-disciplined architectural firm, and over the years, this team of renowned AIA-licensed and LEED-certified architects has designed hundreds of commercial buildings throughout the State of Texas, including most recently, the Fort Worth South Division Police Station. Others include the City of Jourdanton Municipal Complex, Hood County Justice Center, Keene City Hall & Community Center, and numerous other buildings; among them, churches, automobile dealerships, and schools. 

While working on the Weimar Elementary School project in Weimar, Texas, Charles Freeman met the former Barbara Nicholson, the elementary principal. The couple married in 1999, and moved to Mansfield, Texas, where they have been inseparable, enjoying country living, their adopted pets, traveling, and their respective professions of architecture and education. They are members of Crossroads Christian Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. 

An avid Texas Longhorn football fan, Chuck Freeman has also been a lifetime golfer, making numerous friends on and off the golf course. He is known to have a gentle and quiet spirit with a kind and generous nature. Those who know him well, including his wife, Barbara, know that he considers one of his most important "jobs" in life to take care of his "princess." Barbara and Chuck exemplified what every marriage should be, loving and caring until death do us part. 

Charles Edward Freeman is survived by his wife, Barbara; two adult sons, Kevin (Tammy) and Keith Freeman of Florida; granddaughter, Cameron Freeman Rogers (Adrian Rogers) of Florida; and grandson, Cody Freeman (Ashley) of California. Florida great grandchildren include Raigan Krattiger, Roman Rogers, and Teagan Messler. 

Charles Freeman's survivors in Texas (Barbara Nicholson Freeman) include a stepson, John C. "Cal" Nicholson, IV (Pam) and a stepdaughter, Penni Nicholson Fryman (Dan); grandsons John C. Nicholson, V (Kayleigh), Stephen Nicholson (Sarah), Cameron Nicholson (Tylor), Daniel Fryman (Lindsey), and Christopher Fryman, as well as a granddaughter, Anna Fryman Miller (Daniel). Texas great grandchildren include Tyler Nicholson, Saydie Nicholson, Stephen Nicholson, Autumn Nicholson, Eli Fryman, Judah Fryman, Livy Miller, and Caden Miller. 

Visitation for Charles Edward Freeman will be conducted at Wade Family Funeral Home on Sunday, December 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. 

The family is planning to schedule a winter Interment with Full Military Honors at DFW National Cemetery, with Dr. John W. Turner, Jr. officiating. Please watch this website for the date and time (January or February 2025). 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to a Veterans' Group or charity of your choice.