Three generations merge to preserve the past while embracing the future.
Don and Margaret Freeman started out as ground-breakers when in 1961 they finished construction on the first funeral home and ambulance service in the area built solely for such a purpose. Until that time, Jefferson City funeral homes were operated out of converted homes and often the family lived upstairs.
Two generations later with an extensive ten-week renovation recently completed, it’s the grandparents’ founding philosophy of family and community first that remains unchanged at Freeman Mortuary. These same principles continue to foster generations of families through some of life’s toughest trials.
“Grandpa had amazing foresight to open the business and build such a modern structure for the time,” says third-generation Ryan Freeman. “This is not an easy profession nor is it for everyone. He truly cared about people in the community, and it is what made his business grow. Meanwhile my dad, Phil, continued building that same trust factor and made considerable upgrades, including adding a roof to the flat-topped structure of the 60s. He also bought and upgraded surrounding properties in order to make for a more appealing entrance and expanded parking.”
For one remodeling project Grandfather Don enlisted the help of newly graduated interior designer, Bob Walz. Then, in 1975 Phil married Amy Walz, Bob’s daughter. The couple’s oldest son, Don, did a quick summer stint in the business before deciding on a career in chemical engineering. Younger son, Ryan, however; came on board in 2006 after graduating from Worsham Mortuary College and prior to that from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005.
“We told both boys that we didn’t expect them to go into the business because it’s not easy and it’s 24-7,” says Amy, who has been working there as office secretary since 1995. “People die at all hours, and we have to be there to meet with the family. Ryan just always had a heart for this line of work.”
According to Ryan, he considers his profession a type of ministry. “It’s a true calling, and you have to be passionate about what you do.
Our community is so loving and generous. You get to foster amazing relationships with so many people.
To me, it’s a privilege to gain trust and work with people during a time in their lives when they need a lot of support and direction with maneuvering through the grieving process.”
