Richard Freeman

Richard Don Freeman, known to his friends and family as “Dick,” was born on May 25, 1945, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, and passed peacefully Saturday January 31, at the Eufaula Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, not far from the place where his life began.

He was the son of Don Oscar and Billie Faye (Atchison) Freeman, and brother to Donna Huston. He carried the values his family instilled in him throughout his life: hard work, loyalty, and a deep love for the land and the people around him.

Dick proudly served his country in the United States Army as a diesel technician in Vietnam. After returning home, he spent most of his working life at the University of Oklahoma in the Grounds and Landscaping Department, where he formed some of his most important and lasting friendships

A quintessential cowboy at heart, Dick loved horses, dogs, and the simple, honest work of the land. He and his beloved wife, Seveda, enjoyed not only a marriage of 52 years, but a partnership built around their shared passions. Together, they team roped in senior rodeos across the state, winning many competitions and collecting even more friendships along the way. Their travels in their well-loved trailer, horses in tow, were some of the happiest years of their lives.

Dick adored Seveda, and her passing from cancer in 2022 left a space in his heart that never quite healed.

Though they had no children of their own, Dick and Seveda poured their love into others. Their niece, Misty, was like a daughter to them. They loved cheering her on at basketball games and barrel races and took immense pride in the woman she has become.

Their little ranch was known to many as a refuge. Dick and Seveda never turned away an animal—or a person—in need. Dogs, horses, and all manner of creatures found safety there, alongside friends and neighbors who knew they could always count on their generosity.

Richard was a man who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He never met a buffet he didn’t like. He could often be found in his easy chair, covered up with his beloved dogs—Patch, Trouble, and Layla—sharing Oreos and watching rodeo. He loved sitting in the booths at Tiffany’s having breakfast with his nephew, Tom. He loved laughter, good company, and time spent with the people he cared about. He laughed often and he laughed hard.

Dick will be remembered for his steady kindness, his ornery wit, his devotion to his wife and family, his love of animals, and his quiet, generous heart. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, hard-honest work, and friendships that span decades.

Through 8 months of difficult hospital and medical care, Richard never spoke a disparaging word, nor a show of ingratitude or self pity. He made friends with, (and flirted with), every healthcare professional he encountered. And they loved him too.

We are indebted to all who poured love and support into his final days.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Richard is predeceased in death by his beloved wife, Seveda; parents, D.O. and Billie Faye Freeman; in-laws, Leta and Nathan Haley, sister in-law, Pat Haley, and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his sister, Donna Huston; nieces, Holly Huston, Robin Huston and husband Tom Orr; great nephew, Henry Orr; great niece, Harper Orr; brother in law, Tony Haley and his wife Sandy; niece, Misty Holmes and husband, Jeremy Holmes; great nephews, Lane and Cooper Holmes; niece, Suzye Worley and husband Tony; great niece, TK Worley; great nephew, Caleb Worley and wife, Heather; great nephew Trent Worley and wife, Ashlee; and great, great nieces and nephews, Jade, Coby, Jaxon and Cash Worley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McMahan’s Funeral Home in Noble, Saturday February 7th at 1pm. A graveside service in Eufaula will follow at 5. Honorary pallbearers: All of the cowboys and dear friends.