John Wesley Freeman

John Wesley Freeman was born on January 2, 1955, in Stuttgart, Germany, to Rodis and Harvey Freeman, while his father was stationed at a United States Army base.

At the age of seven, John relocated with his family to Dallas, Texas, where at the age of ten he helped integrate O.M. Roberts Elementary School. He later graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in spring of 1973. John attended East Texas State University, now known as East Texas A&M University, where he discovered the work that would define the
course of his life.

While volunteering with the university’s Crisis
Intervention Center and peer counseling hotline, “ The Listening Ear" he developed a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate difficult moments and life transitions. In addition to his academic pursuits, John participated in Air Force ROTC before beginning his military career as an air traffic controller in the United States Air Force. His training took him to Biloxi, Mississippi, followed by Goldsboro, North Carolina, and later to Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. Following his service in the Air Force, John devoted his professional life to serving others and strengthening the communities around him. He worked with Job Corps in San Marcos, American Health First in St. Louis Missouri and Corpus Christi locations, and later continued his service-oriented career at Oak Springs Unit in Austin Texas. John
subsequently spent many dedicated years with Austin Travis County Integral Care, where he served under multiple administrations and became a respected and valued member of the organization.

Through his work, he impacted countless lives and remained committed to helping others find stability, dignity, and hope. John is survived by a host of loving family members, cherished friends, former colleagues, and many others whose lives were enriched by his kindness and compassion.John’s life was guided by service, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others. His steady presence and generous spirit touched countless lives, and his legacy endures in the people and communities he uplifted.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.