PIERCETON – James L. Freel, 76, Pierceton, passed away at 5:40 p.m. Nov. 30, 2014, in Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw. He was born Dec. 30, 1937, in Huntington, to Charles and Rosemary Houston Freel. On Nov. 20, 1955, in Huntington, he married Joan M. Harris, who preceded him in death April 20, 2014. They had been joined together for 58 years. He graduated from Union Township/Union Center High School, Huntington, in 1955. He worked for Wertenberger Tires, Huntington, for 17 years and then worked for Peabody Fireplace Manufacturing, North Manchester. He and Joan moved to Kosciusko County in 1974. He and his brother also worked together as custom butchers for several years, butchering mainly hogs and cattle. He enjoyed antiques, collecting and going to auctions and garage sales. He liked tractors, working outside taking care of his property and cutting wood. He was survived by three sons: Jan (and spouse Lori) Freel, South Whitley; Jerry Freel, Kendallville; and Jay (and spouse Janet) Freel, South Whitley; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four brothers: Ron (and spouse Judy), Carl (and spouse Sue), Gail (and spouse Deb) and Tom (and spouse Judy) Freel; and two sisters, Pat (and spouse Doyle) Bowers and Jodi Freel. He also was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Evan Freel. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Pierceton, with Pastor Barry Faucett officiating. Burial is in Spring Creek Cemetery, Pierceton. Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, and one hour prior to services Thursday. ***** Memorials to the children’s hospital of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent via mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
