AVA, Missouri — Freeman James Brown passed on to Heaven on Feb. 24, 2021. Born April 13, 1936 in Ava, Missouri.

He was the Beloved husband to Shirley June Brown for over 60 years. Together they raised three wonderful children, James E. Brown of Riverview, Florida, Sherral A. (Brown) Grossi of Spring Hill, Florida, and Ronald R. Gideon Jr., of Sycamore. They have enjoyed the blessing of four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Freeman is survived by a brother, Don Brown, and sisters, Pansy Singleton, Rose Gentry and Lila Drexler.

Freeman proudly served in the United States Army stationed in Korea and worked 38 years at the Del Monte can plant in Rochelle as a mechanic.

He loved God and was passionate about teaching the Lord’s Word as well as worshipping with his guitar and gifted voice at church gatherings, nursing homes, the truck chapel, family gatherings and more. Freeman was known by many as soul reaching gospel preaching man of God. He spent most of his time serving at his home church, New Life Foursquare Church, for over 60 years as well as serving as a chaplain at Petro Truck stop for over 25 years and singing at local nursing homes.

Freeman and Shirley enjoyed traveling across the United States sightseeing and visiting family.

Freeman is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Brown, and mother Nellie Brown; brother, Vernon Brown; and sisters, Lilly Manning and Violet McCall.

A celebration of life will be held at New Life Foursquare Church, on 109 South Washington Street in Rochelle. The visitation will be Wednesday, March 3 at noon and the funeral service will be held at 1 p.m.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Homes.

Memorial gifts can be made to the family, New Life Foursquare Church or to Chaplain Jay LeRette of the Petro Truck Chapel.

Online condolences may be made at www.beveragelyonsfamilyfh.com.