Dr. Pete Freeman

Memorial Services for Dr. Hubert “Pete” Freeman, 81, of Kilgore, Texas will be held 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, at the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church in Kilgore. Family visitation will immediately follow the service. Dr. Freeman passed from this life into the hands of his Eternal Father on Sunday, October 1st, 2023. During his final days, he was surrounded by loved ones, and cared for by his family and the wonderful staff of Hospice of East Texas.

Pete was born on May 31, 1942, in Pasadena, Texas to the late Victor “Pete” Freeman and Sarah Margaret Miller. He attended Pasadena High School where he graduated in 1960. He attended East Texas Baptist University where he played baseball and graduated with a teaching degree in 1965. He would go on to teach 7th grade Texas History. He met Gloria Ann Burton while he was preaching at a youth rally in 1964 and Gloria was leading the music. A discussion ensued about a woman leading music, and needless to say, Gloria won that discussion. So began their relationship and marriage that would last for more than 58 years. They shared their life with their 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Pete continued to pursue higher education in divinity at Southwestern Seminary, where he would complete both his Master’s and his Doctorate degrees. Throughout his lifetime he pastored many churches and would serve as a member on many boards to include Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor, East Texas Baptist University and Houston Baptist University. Additionally, Pete was an avid sports fan, loved attending Kilgore games, and was a lifelong fan of the Houston Astros. When he was not serving his church, he was serving his community as the Chaplain for the Gregg County Sheriff’s Department; this would be one of his proudest endeavors. Dr. Pete had a genuine love for the Lord and for people as evidenced by remaining active in his church and the countless relationships he fostered over his lifetime. He is remembered by many as a great preacher but most fondly as a great pastor that loved everyone and extended grace to all. He embodied the command to “Love God, Love People”. May his legacy of loving others and finding joy in a life well lived be an inspiration to us all.

He is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Margaret Freeman, grandchild William Harrison Knauer and great grandson Eric Donald Groce.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Gloria Burton Freeman of Kilgore; daughters, Stephanie Bozant and husband Donnie of Kilgore and Melanie Kincaid and husband Kevin of Pittsburg, Texas; son, Lance Freeman of Kilgore; sisters, Marjorie Hill and husband Gerald of Dallas, Texas and Betty Robison and husband James of Colleyville, Texas and Helen Gary and husband Glen of Pasadena, Texas; seven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701 or preferred charity of choice.