Joe Freeman

Joe Ben Freeman was born in and grew up in Fort Worth, one of four children of George Custer and Mary Katherine Freeman. He married June Hoffman on Sept. 2, 1950. ??? Joe Ben joined the Marine Corps on Nov. 30, 1945, and served his country for three years, stationed in California and Texas. ??? Upon his discharge, he entered Texas Christian University and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in education in 1951 and a master of arts degree from the University of North Texas in 1955. ??? Joe played football, basketball and baseball throughout his school years in Fort Worth and became a professional baseball player for a team in North Carolina in 1945. He continued playing baseball in the U.S. Marine Corps. ??? In 1951 he began his career of 32 years in public education as a teacher at East Handley School and in 1964 he served in his first administrative post with the FWISD as a elementary principal at Steven F. Austin. His administrative responsibilities continued throughout his career at Mitchell Boulevard, Benbrook Elementary and S.S. Dillow until his retirement in June 1983. He was loved and respected by all who knew and served with him, and was responsible for the education of thousands of Fort Worth students. ??? Joe Ben and his wife, June, are members of East Meadows Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon. ??? With the support of his loving wife, he became a cattle raiser, specializing in Beef Master cattle, and active member of Beefmasters Breeders United with other notable ranchers, including Nolan Ryan. His enthusiasm included numerous trips to Texas A&M and Nolan Ryan's ranch to discuss the breed and improve his ranch operation. ??? He will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, June; cat, Buttercup; and his favorite dog, Miss Red. ??? The family wishes to thank Lenora and Layton Anderson, Breeta Butler, Jean and Frank Campbell, Elaine and Charles Edmonds, Marian Walker, Sally and Dick Watson and the staff of Community Hospice. ??? He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Katherine Freeman; brothers, G.T. Freeman and Bill Freeman; and sister, Annie Laurie Brown. ??? Survivors: His wife, June Freeman; and nephews. Memorials: In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent in his memory to Community Hospice of Texas-James West Center, 1111 Summit Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76102. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joe Freeman please visit our Sympathy Store.