John Mack Freeman of Hermiston, former longtime Boise, Idaho resident, died on July 16, 2022 in Roseburg at the age of 87.
He was born on March 1, 1935 in Blackfoot, Idaho to Edwin J. and Elizabeth Freeman. He was the third of nine children and the eldest son (sisters, Gary Gabrielson, Helen Hadley, Shelley Mickelson and Joyce Piel; and brothers, Jim Freeman, Dick Freeman, Mike Freeman and Bill Freeman).
John grew up in Pocatello, Idaho and graduated from Pocatello High in 1953. He loved to fish and hunt with his brothers while growing up and enjoyed those activities throughout his life.
John started working for the Union Pacific Railroad at the age of 18 as a brakeman. He had many promotions on the railroad and was working as the terminal superintendent in Kemmerer, Wyo. when he retired after 30 years of service.
John met his beautiful bride, Janet Manning while he was working in Huntington. They were married on Nov. 15, 1955 in Logan, Utah at the Logan temple. They had five children, Debbie Freeman, Robin Oliver, Susan Freeman, Vance (Janell) Freeman and Vaughn Freeman. He has eight grandchildren, Sydney Freeman, Chance Freeman, Jennifer (Jarom) Gray, Steve (Katie) Oliver, Philip (Jessica) Oliver, David Oliver, Jessica (Chase) Peterson and Brian Oliver. He also has many great grandchildren.
John and Janet initially lived in Weiser, Idaho when the railroad moved them to Hermiston, where John worked and they raised their family for the next 21 years. They moved to Federal Way, Wash. in 1981, then to Kemmerer, Wyo. before John retired and moved to Boise, Idaho.
John and Janet were both active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John served in many positions in the church. He and Janet were privileged to serve a mission together while in Boise. They celebrated 50 years of marriage together until Janet’s death in 2005. John moved back to Hermiston in 2006 to live with his children, Debbie, Susan and Vaughn.
John loved to watch old movies and listen to his music. He had a beautiful tenor voice that soared above any choir member he sang with. He also enjoyed sports. He loved bowling, was an enthusiastic basketball player, and threw an impressive softball pitch.
John is survived by his children, Debbie, Susan and Vaughn of Hermiston; Robin Oliver of Spanish Fork, Utah; Vance and his wife Janell of Maple Valley, Wash.; and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; sisters, Helen, Joyce and Shelley; brothers, Mike and Bill; and his parents.
There will be a viewing on Friday, July 22 from 10 to 11 a.m., with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 850 S.W. 11th St., Hermiston.
Burial will be on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens in Boise, Idaho.
Please share memories of John with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
