Freeman, Vance

From Lane Co Oregon

Vance Freeman

A celebration of life was held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at Camp Creek Church in Springfield for Vance Leroy Freeman of Springfield, who died Aug. 24, 2007 at age 87. The family chose not to list the cause of death.

He was born Feb. 10, 1920, in Oakes, N.D., to Frank and Estella Olson Freeman. He married Margaret Mountain on Jan. 17, 1945, in Gary, Ind.

A decorated World War II veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945 aboard the USS Amick destroyer escort. He operated a paint contracting business and served on the Springfield City Council for eight years. He was mayor of Springfield from 1975 to 1976 and brought the American Freedom Train to town in 1975. He went on to serve as a Lane County Commissioner from 1979 to 1981.

Survivors included his wife; a daughter, Pamela Freeman of Springfield; a son, Guy Freeman of Springfield; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were made by Buell Funeral Chapel in Springfield.