Stephen Eric Freeman, 75, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord Friday morning, November 26, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He had been in failing health for the past four years.
Stephen was born August 10, 1946 in Indianapolis, the eldest of four children of Harold and Mary Eileen Malicoat Freeman. He came to Connersville with his family and was a 1964 graduate of Connersville High School.
On February 14, 1981, he was married in Connersville to Debra Jean Brannon. Mrs. Freeman survives.
A professional firefighter for nearly 50 years, he became a member of the Connersville Fire Department, ultimately being promoted to Assistant Fire Chief and for four years Fire Chief for the City of Connersville. Following his retirement from the City Fire Department, he became an Inspector/Deputy Indiana Fire Marshall for 24 years for the State of Indiana, which became Indiana Department of Homeland Security, retiring in 2015. He was also the visionary and founder of Rescue 21.
Stephen was a member of First Baptist Church and also a member of Aeri Eagles Lodge #1065, where he served as lodge president from 2005-2006 and for a number of years as treasurer. In his leisure, he enjoyed playing golf, mushroom hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors, besides his wife of forty years, Debra Freeman, include four children, Daniel Freeman of Conroe, Texas, Douglas (Tammy) Freeman, Neil (Crystal) Stinger, and Jamie (Kent) Vaughn, all of Connersville; ten grandchildren, Alex (Jennifer) Freeman and Caleb (Cynthia) Freeman, both of Greenfield, Indiana, Myla (Anthony) Parker of Willis, Texas, Abbi Stinger of West Lafayette, Indiana, and T.J. Steele, Lillian Stinger, Isaac Wolski, Claire Stinger, Shelby Wolski, and Caden Freeman, all of Connersville; four great-grandchildren, Wyatt Parker, Cale Freeman, Aubriella Steele, and Avery Freeman; his father, Harold Freeman of Connersville; a brother, Gary (Joy) Freeman of Georgia; two sisters, Karen (Dan) Elliott of Connersville and Patricia (Jerald) Dawson of Kinston, North Carolina; two brothers-in-law, James (Debi) Brannon and Michael (Robin) Brannon, both of Connersville; an uncle, Charles Freeman of Indianapolis; an aunt, Virginia Combs of Ellettsville, Indiana; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Stephen is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Freeman, who passed away September 30, 2004; a daughter, Kellie Jean Becraft, who passed away October 29, 2020; a brother-in-law, Shelby Harding; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Harding.
Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. the same day with Reverend Chris Cain officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fayette County Cancer Society or the E.W. Tatman Christmas fund.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.