Richard Thomas ("Tommy") Freeman, Jr., 78, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Ponder, Texas. He was born on March 19, 1948, in Durant, Oklahoma, to the late Richard Thomas Freeman Sr. and Clara Nadine Freeman. He was raised in Madill, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Madill High School in 1966. He went on to graduate from Oklahoma State University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Management (Forestry). He married Sharon LeFlore in Kingston, Oklahoma, on September 2, 1969. After graduating from college, Richard spent some time moving to various jobs until he found his career calling. He was hired in October 1971 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, as a Park Ranger assigned to the Dam B Project, Jasper, Texas. From there, he was promoted to a Forestry position, moving to the Real Estate Division in Fort Worth. He remained in Fort Worth until 1987, when he was selected to serve as Chief of the Real Estate Division in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served in that position until he retired in 2004 with 33 years of government service. One of his last notable missions was his deployment to Afghanistan in 2002 after 9/11, serving as the Real Estate Officer, obtaining needed land for Army mission execution in the region. After retiring, he and Sharon built a home in Kingston. He was a lifelong Oklahoma State University superfan, even during the bad years, of which there were many. He loved fishing, traveling, and spending time with his two grandkids. Richard continued serving his country after retirement, returning to duty on numerous occasions. He deployed several times to the Louisiana area after the devastating Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, served as the project manager for land acquisition at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and deployed to South Texas to acquire land for building the Wall. He could be counted on to step up when called upon. Traveling the United States and the World was at the top of his list. He was able to continue this passion with his Life Partner, Hyla Head. One of the highlights was venturing through Alaska, driving an RV during COVID. He got to walk the glaciers, sit in the RV while a black bear sat on his picnic table a stone's throw away, try his hand at catching salmon, and just view nature. Another was taking the Star Flyer sailing trip through the Mediterranean from Malta, via Siracusa and Pylos, to Athens. Then the Viking Cruise from Switzerland to Germany and France. Costa Rica boat touring. Northeast and Southeast US. Southwest US. While these trips were special, those who really knew Richard can attest to his love of "his" Texoma Lake and the fishing opportunities he wanted to share with his guests. His fishing stories and pictures will be remembered by many. In his later years, he and Hyla found joy in a shared passion for gardening, especially in the spring and summer months, and sitting on the porch, watching the birds, especially their favorite "Hummers" (Hummingbirds). Richard was a humble, kind, and generous man with a great sense of humor. Always open for some unplanned shenanigans with his buddies and friends. Time ran out, and God made the decision. He spent his last year surrounded by the devoted care of his life partner and her family in Ponder, Texas. Along with visits from his sons, family, and dear friends.

He is survived by his Children - Ryan Freeman and wife Desi, Westminster, MD.  Robert Freeman and Andrea Blackmore, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Grandchildren - Rory Lillian Freeman and Holden Thomas Freeman Hyla's family - Sara and Melanie Head; Shelley, Jonathon, Kennedy, Kloey Simon; Stacey and Brock Danford, Dean Bowman, Sister: Nellie Gill, San Antonio, Texas, Aunt: Yvonne Richards, Ardmore, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Freeman, and his sisters, Clara Novita Ward and Phyllis Taylor.

The family would like to thank you all for your love and support during our time of loss.