Thomas Freeman

Thomas Eugene Freeman, known to all as Tom, was born on June 11, 1938, on the Kelly farm north of Follett, Texas. He went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 5, 2025.

Tom was the fifth child of Farnum and Gladys (Walker) Freeman. Growing up, he was loved and spoiled by his siblings: Willa Mae, Walker, Kaye, and Jerry. Tom grew up on the family farm in the northeast corner of the Texas Panhandle, where he learned the values of hard work and strong family bonds. He attended 12 years of school in Follett, graduating with the class of 1956, and later served six years in the Army Reserve.

On November 7, 1962, Tom married the love of his life, Delores Bond—whom he affectionately called 'his Saint'—beginning a journey that lasted nearly 63 years. Tom’s enduring love of farming and ranching was a lifelong commitment, a passion perpetuated by his family’s legacy on the land; he remained dedicated to raising cattle on the same ground as previous generations until the very day of his death.

Tom was a pillar of his community, dedicated to serving others in both civic and spiritual capacities. He was a steadfast leader in local governance, serving on the Follett ISD School Board, and presiding as President during critical years for the district. He also dedicated his time to his faith, serving on missionary boards and committees over the years at the Follett Methodist Church. Tom considered his most profound accomplishment to be his recovery; he celebrated 43 years of sobriety this year. After successfully embracing the 12-step AA program, he channeled his experience into service, dedicating many years to mentoring others in their own recovery and volunteering in prison ministry through his KAIROS ministry group.

Tom, along with his business partner Marvin Born, created a very successful business, Golden Spread Fertilizer, building many lasting friendships throughout the high plains of Kansas, Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle—another example of his leadership and service to the community and region.

Tom’s greatest pride and joy were his three sons, Michael, Mark, and Matthew. It was paramount to Tom that they learned good work ethics, respect and resolve to stand for faith and truth. He took immense pride in their accomplishments, which continued through the years as he enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their activities.

Tom is survived by his wife Delores Freeman, three sons and their wives; Michael (Shannon) Freeman of Follett, TX, Mark (Lori) Freeman of Woodward, OK, and Matthew Freeman of Amarillo, TX. His Grandchildren; Kylie (Joe) Thomas, Cody (Crystal) Freeman, Cole (Whitney) Freeman, Lexi (Josh) Richardson, Stevanna Freeman, Jessalyn Freeman, Chelsie Freeman, and Lauren Freeman, his Great-Grandchildren; Kaylee (Blake) Horinek, Mayson Thomas, Dawson Thomas, Jagger Freeman, Judd Freeman, Camden Freeman, Jett Richardson, and Zoey Newell and his Great-Great-Grandson Hudson Horinek. He is also survived by his Siblings; Sister Kaye Johnson and brother Jerry Freeman, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Farnum and Gladys Freeman, sister, Willa Mae Graves and his brother, Walker Freeman.