Barney Freeman Obituary

Barney J. Freeman II

Barney Jackson Freeman II, 51, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, after a six-month battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Belynda, his mother, Simone, his sister, Julie, and his cousin, Lee.

Barney was born Aug. 27, 1971, in Amherst, to Barney Jackson Freeman Sr. and Simone ("Sandra" Morris) Freeman.

Barney is survived by his wife, Belynda (Abbott) Freeman of Waverly, West Virginia; daughters, Shayle (Trenton) Heishman of Tiffin, Somer Freeman of Tiffin, Maddison Freeman of Fostoria, and Morgen Freeman of Fostoria; sons, Curtis (Erin) Hummel of North Royalton, Justyn (Eliza) Hummel of Weston, and Nicholas (Monica) Hummel of Rossford; seven grandchildren, Nahla, Lyndsey, Emmet, Remington, Thomas, Nora, and Shane; mother, Simone ("Sandra" Morris) Freeman of Gibsonburg; stepmother, Norma (Kordeleski) Freeman of Kansas, Ohio; brothers, Joe (Diane) Freeman of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Shane (Paula) Freeman of South Amherst, and Brandon Krembs of St. Louis, Missouri; sisters, Julie (Rich) Greiner of Kansas, Ohio, Donna (Harold) Lane of Richmond, Virginia, and Sandra Bentley of Bristol, Tennessee; nephews, Logan (Aneese) Greiner of Fremont, Hunter Greiner of Kansas, Ohio, Jack Greiner of Kansas, Luke (Paige) Freeman of Hendersonville, Tennesseee, and Aubrey Freeman of Hendersonville, Tennessee; countless other nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; and Australian Shepherd, Willie (named after Willie Nelson, of course).

He was preceded in death by his brothers, James Bradley Freeman, Gordon Scott Freeman, and Daniel Shane Freeman; father, Barney Jackson Freeman Sr.; and stepfather, Barry.

Barney and Belynda ("Beek" and "Bee") met and fell in love in 2016 and were married Feb. 15, 2020, in Helena. Barney was self-employed as a residential and commercial painter most of his adult life and most recently he enjoyed working in residential construction. Barney was a jack-of-all-trades, and anything he did, he always did well. He was a talented musician, singer, and song writer and could play any instrument he got his hands on. He had a knack of making every song his own, which always sounded better than the original artist. Barney was a friend to all and a foe to none and those who had the pleasure of knowing him knew this man was one-of-a-kind. He breathed life, happiness, and love into everyone he met. Most importantly, Barney loved the Lord. He and his wife were baptized together Nov. 29, 2022. In 2021, Barney and his wife purchased 64 acres in West Virginia with the intent of preaching the gospel to the homeless, addicted, and lost. Barney loved his mountain and longed to help those in need. Barney's unique life story would have been a testament to many and would have helped countless souls. Barney was truly an amazing man, passionate, and playful. His laughter and smile, so infectious, will be sorely missed by many.

Barney's last wishes was that he did not want a service or funeral, but instead opted for a celebration of life for family and close friends. This will be announced at a later date.

Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory, Tiffin, is assisting family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shookfamilyfh.com.