George R. Free

George R. Free, 83, of Emporia died on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

George was born on September 3, 1935 in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania the son of John Harrison and Florabelle Brenneman Free.  He married Stella M. Gilligan on October 26, 1957 in Topeka, Kansas.  She survives.

Surviving family members include: wife, Stella of the home; sons, William R. Free of Emporia, and Kenneth J. Free and wife Nancy of Red Oak, Iowa; grandchildren, Nathan A. Free, and Johnathan H. Free; great-grandchildren, Johnathan H. Free, Jr. and Jayce A. Free.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother Florabelle Brenneman Free Kyper, and his stepfather.

George served in the United States Army.  He worked for Fanestils, Sauder Tank, and the DeBauge Bros.  He was also a self-employed carpenter and for the last 12 years was the gate attendant at the Council Grove Lake.  George is a member of the Lowry-Funston Post 1980 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Ball-McColm Post #5 American Legion.

Cremation is planned with a graveside service 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 7, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Hartford with military honors.  Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday afternoon at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions to Shriners Hospital for Children can be sent in care of the funeral home.