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Obituary for Charles Arthur Freeman

Charles Arthur Freeman, 89, went to his eternal rest in heaven on April 15, 2014 at the WV Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg, with his family beside him listening to his own gospel CD music. Charles was born August 13, 1924 in Clarksburg, where he lived until 1990. His last residence was in Rosemont, WV.

He was the son of the late John Wesley & Lelia (Gray) Freeman, the youngest son in a family of 10 children. He was preceded in death by three brothers and five sisters: Wilbert Freeman, Wesley Freeman, Warren Freeman, Emma Jean (Spraggin) Blakely, Elizabeth (Spraggin) King, Bertha (Spraggin) Younger, Susie Freeman, and Florence Freeman.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Roberta (Davis) Freeman, who passed away September 9, 2013.

He is survived by his last sibling, Grace A. Freeman of Grafton, WV, daughter Debora A. Davis of Rosemont, WV , very special niece (whom he raised as a daughter) Odessa (Darrell) Richards of Charleston, WV. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great & great-great nieces and nephews.

Charles was a graduate of Kelly Miller High School of Clarksburg, WV. He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Hard Knocks, based on the campus of Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, WV.

In his youth he sold the Clarksburg Exponent Telegram Newspaper at the corner of 3rd Street and Main Street, later he worked for and retired from Bank One (formerly Union National Bank, now Chase Bank) of Clarksburg located at that same address. He was formerly employed by C.C. Keys Music Store and Repair in Clarksburg.

He was a very proud “lifetime” member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Clarksburg, WV where he joined as a young child. Charles’ work at the church included but certainly not limited to the Trustee Board (Past Chairperson), Usher Board, Willing Workers Adult Choir (he joined as a young teenager). The church has honored him with the title of “Mr. Mt. Zion” on two occasions under two pastors…Pastor David D.A. Kates and Pastor Rahsaan A. Armand (the current Pastor). He was also proud of the title “Father of the Year”. The church also honored him with a special “Charles Freeman Day” where Charles blessed a standing room only crowd with a medley from his two gospel & patriotic CD’s. He received a standing ovation several times.

Charles served in WWII and served in many foreign countries during his military career including England, France, and Germany. He was a proud patriot. He volunteered his time and musical talents at the Louis A. Johnson Medical Center in Clarksburg. He was a “Lifetime” members of the VFW Post 573 where he served in many different positions in the organization including that of Post Commander and Chaplain for many years. He was a member of American Legion Post 13, and Disabled American Veterans. He proudly marched and participated in the programs of every Memorial Day and Veterans Day Parade, and participated in a Civil War Reenactment Play in Phillipi. He truly loved his country and was very proud to serve it in any way possible.

Charles was very active with many different service organizations and thus has received several accolades including King of WV Black Heritage Festival, Kelly Miller Association Humanitarian Award, King of Flemington Days Fairs & Festival, King of Taylor County Senior Citizens, Lifetime member of the Harrison County Chapter NAACP, privileged to sing for former 1st Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, sang for former State Treasurer A. James Manchin, and sang for many years in Gospel Key Letters Choral Group. Charles was especially proud of his work with the Lions Club of Clarksburg, where he was a Lifetime member and was extremely honored to receive the prestigious Leonard Jarrod Award. He absolutely loved the WVU Mountaineer Football team and never missed attending a home game.

Charles is especially noted for his wonderful singing voice. It has been said that he has sang for more weddings, funerals, church programs, and patriotic programs than anyone in the state of WV. He performed mostly as a soloist, but has also performed in many singing groups, choirs and live stage performances. Charles recorded 2 professional gospel and patriotic CDs.

Charles was a strong Christian man, loyal son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and a friend to everyone he met.

Friends will be received at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 315 E.B. Saunders Way, Clarksburg from 12 Noon – 8 p.m. on Monday, where services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, with Pastor Rahsaan A. Armand presiding. Interment will follow in WV National Cemetery, where Military Funeral Honors will be accorded.







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