GIRARD - William R. "Bob" Freeman, 89, passed away early Saturday morning, July 14, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown with his family by his side.

William was born Dec. 12, 1928, in Warren, a son of the late Claude and Effie Gartrell Freeman, and was a lifelong area resident.

Raised in Niles, Bob was a 1947 graduate of McKinley High School and later graduated from the Machinist Trade at U.S. Steel, where he worked for 10 years. He then worked at Girard Machine, retiring after 25 years.

Mr. Freeman was an avid gardener and collected old cars. He was also an active member of the Girard Multi-Generational Center for many years.

Bob greatly enjoyed the time he spent with his family and will be truly and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 69 years, Ann Demetruk Freeman, whom he married in 1949; four children, David (Phyllis) Freeman of Liberty Township, Sandra Freeman, William Freeman Jr., and Barbara Freeman, each of Girard; two grandsons, John Freeman and William A. Freeman, both of Girard; and four brothers, Craig (Barb) Freeman of McDonald, Clint (Cathy) Freeman of Niles, Curtis Freeman of Alaska, and Carl (Cathy) Freeman of North Myrtle Beach, So. Car.

A son, Robert Freeman, preceded Bob in death.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 17, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 222 S. State St., Girard, where funeral services will take place at 7 p.m.

Interment will take place Wednesday, July 18, at Belmont Park Cemetery in Liberty Township.