Russell Thomas Freeman, 86, of Heritage Green Nursing Home, Gerry, N.Y., died Friday, Nov. 9, 2012.
Russell was born Nov. 6, 1926, in Erie, Pa., the son of the late Fred E. and Florence S. Freeman.
He served from 1944 to 1946 in the U.S. Air Force. He was the owner and operator of Freeman Trucking Company in Youngs-ville, Pa. for more than 50 years. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge. Russ was an excellent truck driver and received the 50-year Safe Driver Award, and was constantly a good Samaritan, always stopping to help people along the road that were in distress. He also helped many people by letting them use his garage on Railroad Street in Youngsville, so they wouldn't have to work out in the rain and snow. He was one of the most honest and kind men you could ever meet, and a wonderful father and grandfather.
He is survived by a brother, Phil Freeman, Clarendon, Pa.; two sisters: Val Colosanti, Indiana, and Flo Freeman, Gettysburg, Pa.; two sons: Fred R. Free-man, and wife, Rayetta, Scandia, Pa., and Randy Freeman, and wife, Dawn, Warren, Pa.; one daughter, Ruby McGaughey, Irvine, Pa.; four stepsons: Bob Gray, David Gray, Randy Gray and Terry Gray; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Leona Freeman in 2011.
A funeral service will be held today, Nov. 16, 2012, at 11 a.m., at the Peterson Blick Funeral Home Inc., 1003 Pennsylvania Ave., East Warren, Pa. The Rev. Doug McCracken, pastor, Warren Christian Missionary and Alliance Church, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.