June
5, 1923 - Mar. 17, 2010MISHAWAKA - Walter Freeman, of Mishawaka, Indiana passed from this life on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at the age of 86. Walter was born in Sunflower, Mississippi on June 5, 1923 to the late Alford Freeman and Annie Lizie (George) Freeman. Walter was a part of the Great Migration North and came to South Bend in 1953. Walter was employed at Honeywell Corporation (Bendix) for 32 years. He held a number of positions while at Honeywell and retired as an Inspector in 1986. Walter also worked for Studebaker and Oliver prior to being employed by Honeywell. He served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge. Walter is probably best known as the owner of Freeman's Barber Shop on Sibley Street. He was licensed by the state of Indiana and continued to cut hair until his health declined. In his 40+ years as a barber he witnessed many trends in men's and women's hairstyles. He was no fan of the 60's Afro and sometimes "accidentally" cut off too much hair. When he wasn't working at Honeywell or cutting hair, he could be found in his garage plying his trade as a shade tree mechanic. He had many customers who sought him out for automobile body work and mechanical work. Always at his side in the garage was his baby brother, Alfred "Buddy" Freeman. As busy as he was working at Honeywell, cutting hair and fixing cars, Walter also found time to participate in several organizations. He was a 32nd Degree Mason as well as a member of the Martin Luther King Senior Men's Club. Church was an important part of Walter's life and he was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church on Fillmore Road in South Bend, Indiana. On October 20, 2001 Walter married Mary Dean Williams Moore. Mary lovingly cared for Walter and was with him as he passed from this life. Prior to his decline in health, the two of them liked to travel and entertain at home. His daughter, Diann used to jokingly refer to her father as a "serial husband" because of his strong belief in the sanctity of marriage. Walter was preceded in death by two wives; Alberta Freeman Clark and Lorraine Trawick Freeman. To celebrate his life, Walter leaves behind his loving wife, Mary, and a blended family consisting of Diann Freeman of New Hartford, NY; Marion Fulce (Dwight) of Granger, IN; Oscar Trawick (Julie) of Granger, IN; Ronald Moore of Chicago, IL; Duan Moore of Louisville, KY; and Marion Moore, Sr. of Louisville, KY. Anita Trawick of South Bend, IN preceded Walter in death. Walter also leaves behind to celebrate his life his baby sister, Minnie Harris (Nathaniel) of Cleveland, OH and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special thanks goes to Walter's niece, Ernestine Lee and her husband Willie for their unselfish giving of their time to help care for their uncle as his health declined. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Magnolia George, Mary Birton, Ida Lee Slater and Paralee Richison, and his brother Alfred "Buddy" Freeman. One of Walter's favorite songs was Love and Happiness by Al Green. Walter spent each day of his life attempting to achieve love and happiness. Services for Walter Freeman will be held Tuesday, March 23rd at Bethlehem Baptist Church located at 24393 Fillmore Road in South Bend, IN. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Services will begin promptly at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow funeral service at Highland Cemetery. The Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.