Lewis Earl Freeland

Lewis Earl Freeland left his earthly constraints to be with his Lord on Dec. 5, 2015. He was born the eldest son to Harley A. and Annabelle Freeland on April 8, 1936 in Adams County, Ohio. He went to West Union High School until he was called to work the family farm during his 10th grade year. In Nov. 1958 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and basic training at Ft. Knox, Ky. and was also stationed in California, Texas and Cleveland.

On Dec. 28, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Martha M. McKenzie, of Lynx. Less than a year later on Dec. 3, 1959 their first son, Roger Lewis was born. Lewis was then honorably discharged from the Army in 1962. He then started his 30-year career with the Chrysler Corporation in Dayton. They moved to New Carlisle in 1967 where they have resided since. In May of 1971 their second son, James Andrew, was born. Once retired from Chrysler in 1992 he became the custodian of the New Carlisle Missionary Church, a position he held for 18 years. He also had several other jobs such as delivering newspapers and mowing.

He is survived by his wife, Martha (McKenzie) Freeland of nearly 57 years; two sons and daughters-in-law, Roger L. and Marianne of St. Paris, and James A. and Katherine of Springfield; five grandchildren, Kelsey A. and Ryan Lehmkuhl of St. Paris, Kendall E. and Jacob Jeanneret of St. Paris, Kaylee M., Kenzie E., and Caleb H. all of Springfield; great grandchildren, Joseph, Lena and Benjamin; a brother, Sam Freeland of West Union; niece, Sherry and Joey Mills of Hillsboro; several other nieces, and best friend of more than 70 years John Nehus of West Union.

Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 8, 2015 at the Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar and Fraley Funeral Home in New Carlisle, Ohio. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9 in the funeral home. Burial was in the New Carlisle Cemetery.