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Rev. Patrick Freeman, of Tahlequah, OK, passed away on Sunday, December 15 at the age of 89, surrounded by his loved ones.
An honored member of the Muscogee-Creek Nation, designated as a Living Legend by the tribe. Born March 21, 1935 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Parents were Jess and Margaret (Alexander) Freeman, who preceded him in death. United in marriage to Vera (Rattling) Gourd from Tahlequah on August 17, 1957. She preceded him in death.
Pat was an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, serving the Lord since the age of 19. Attended elementary school in Eram, and Euchee Mission Indian School. Attended high school at Haskell Indian School in Lawrence, KS and graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1954. He graduated from Oklahoma City University, received a Master of Divinity from St. Paul Theological School in Kansas City and was licensed to preach in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary conference at the age of 19. He served as the conference youth director and was ordained an elder, serving Native churches throughout Oklahoma including DD Etchieson in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He moved to Kansas in 1967 to serve in the Kansas East Conference of the Methodist Church and served churches in Lebo, Baldwin City and Kansas City, KS. He charted a new church, All Tribes Fellowship UMC in KCK in 1990. He moved to the Western North Carolina conference in 1991 and served on the Cherokee reservation at Cherokee UMC and Olivet UMC and received an honorary distinction from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation for service to the Indian people there and then returned to Kansas and served two years at Galena UMC in Galena, KS. He moved to Tahlequah and served several years at DD Etchieson where he and his wife Vera held their membership. He was honored as a Living Legend in 2019 by the Muscogee-Creek Nation.
His children are Patrick Freeman, Jr. (Cynthia). Phillip Bread, Eric Freeman (Vicki) and Courtney Freeman Fowler (son-in-law Mark preceded him in death.) He was much beloved by his Grandchildren who include Erica Sharp (Brett), Eli Freeman (Miranda), Jacob Freeman (Christine), Piper Fowler, Paige Fowler, and Julie Magers. He had 8 great-grandchildren: Seth, Haylan, Kendall, Alex, Arya, Kaydence, Joplyn, and Hendrix.
Memorials can be sent to
DDEtchieson Tahlequah, OK.
Address 412 W. Seneca St.
Tahlequah, OK. 74464
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vera Meria Freeman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and esteemed member of the Cherokee Nation. Vera, born on June 26, 1935, peacefully transitioned from this world on September 28, 2024, in Tahlequah, OK, surrounded by the love of her family.
Throughout her years, Vera touched the lives of many through her 26-year career as a dedicated schoolteacher and her unwavering commitment to her family. She was a proud Cherokee Nation Citizen who embodied strength, grace, and compassion in all that she did.
Vera is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 67 years, Rev. Patrick Freeman Sr, and her cherished children: Patrick Jr and wife Cynthia, Eric and wife Vicki, Courtney Fowler, Phillip and wife Charla Echohawk. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Erica Sharp and husband Brett, Eli Freeman and wife Miranda, Jacob Freeman and wife Christina, Piper Fowler, Paige Fowler, Julie Majors, and eight great-grandchildren, along with numerous nephews, nieces, great nieces and cousins.
She now reunites with her parents Eli and Lizana (Wofford) Gourd, brothers, Thomas Gourd, A.R. Gourd, Jack Bird and Gail Bird, sister, Bobbie Gourd-Barbara, and son-in-law who preceded her in death.
A compassionate soul, Vera's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be on October 1st, 2024, from 5:00 PM - 7:00PM at Hart Funeral Home, in Tahlequah, OK. Funeral services and ceremonies to honor Vera's legacy will be held on October 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Tahlequah First United Methodist Church. In her memory, let us continue to cherish the values she exemplified and celebrate the beautiful life she lived. May she rest in eternal peace.
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