Saturday, April 18, 2020. Beloved husband of Florence “Flo” Freeman for over 71 years; loving father of James Freeman and the late Donald Freeman; adoring grandpa of Anne Freeman and Natalie (Jordan) Diggs; cherished great-grandpa of Fletcher Diggs; dear brother of Mary Jo (Donald) Pickens and the late Fred (Sue) Freeman; dear father-in-law of Sandy and Cyndi; our dearest uncle, great-uncle and friend to many.
Vin was a World War II veteran in the 83rd Infantry Division who bravely fought in the Battle of The Bulge and who was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, 4 Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, 4 Campaign Stars and the Belgium and French Legion of Honor. He served in France, Belgium, Luxenbourg, Holland and Germany.
He participated in the St. Louis Senior Olympics for over 30 years and won many Gold Medals for Race Walking. Before retiring he worked in hospital financial management and he also had been a real estate broker.
Services: A Memorial service will be held at a later date with details to follow. Interment at Jefferson Barrackcs National Cemetery was held in private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans Service Fund, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 or the U.S.O. Lambert Field, P.O. Box 10367, St. Louis, MO 63145 appreciated. Kutis Affton service.
I first met Vin and Flo at the 83rd reunion in New Orleans. One afternoon, they decided to walk from the hotel to the Cafe du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets – not an easy walk for anyone in the summer, much less with a walker. They returned in a pedicab and marveled at their great adventure. Vin wore his “Ike” jacket to the banquet and looked great – that lovely smile that also showed in his eyes.
You fought the great fight and now you are at rest, my friend. Enjoy that great reunion with those who went before you.
I first met Vin and Flo at the 83rd reunion in New Orleans. One afternoon, they decided to walk from the hotel to the Cafe du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets – not an easy walk for anyone in the summer, much less with a walker. They returned in a pedicab and marveled at their great adventure. Vin wore his “Ike” jacket to the banquet and looked great – that lovely smile that also showed in his eyes.
You fought the great fight and now you are at rest, my friend. Enjoy that great reunion with those who went before you.
He was a kind and wonderful gentleman, and I am honored to have known him. God bless his memory. May he Rest in Peace.
He was a kind and wonderful gentleman, and I am honored to have known him. God bless his memory. May he Rest in Peace.
What an honor it was to have known this great American. In New Orleans, I sat behind Vins, Flo, Mouse and Russell in the WW2 museum theater. During the movie when a German tank was coming at us, I overheard one say to the other,” I’m ready. We can do it again boys”. I don’t recall not ever seeing Vins without a smile. I hope the Freeman family realizes what a time to celebrate the life of an amazing man. Taps may be played somewhere on behalf of Vins, but I’d bet Revely was played as he was welcomed by his fellow Thunderbolts.
What an honor it was to have known this great American. In New Orleans, I sat behind Vins, Flo, Mouse and Russell in the WW2 museum theater. During the movie when a German tank was coming at us, I overheard one say to the other,” I’m ready. We can do it again boys”. I don’t recall not ever seeing Vins without a smile. I hope the Freeman family realizes what a time to celebrate the life of an amazing man. Taps may be played somewhere on behalf of Vins, but I’d bet Revely was played as he was welcomed by his fellow Thunderbolts.
Mrs Freeman & Family, Prayers & our condolences from your 83rd Family in Tennessee. Were so saddened to hear about Vinson’s passing. Vin was the 1st 83 Vet I met at my 1st 83rd Reunion in New Orleans & you both were so welcoming & a pleasure to socialize with. I will have a lasting memory of him in his Ike jacket that he looked so handsome in. We will continue to honor his service as a Thunderbolt. God Bless, Tom & Linda Thomason
Mrs Freeman & Family, Prayers & our condolences from your 83rd Family in Tennessee. Were so saddened to hear about Vinson’s passing. Vin was the 1st 83 Vet I met at my 1st 83rd Reunion in New Orleans & you both were so welcoming & a pleasure to socialize with. I will have a lasting memory of him in his Ike jacket that he looked so handsome in. We will continue to honor his service as a Thunderbolt. God Bless, Tom & Linda Thomason
I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Vin for the Univ. of North Texas Oral History Program. He truly was one of the Greatest Generation.
I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Vin for the Univ. of North Texas Oral History Program. He truly was one of the Greatest Generation.
I just found out of the passing of Vin Freeman. I got to meet him though a relative Jackie. My hopes and prayers goes out to his family. I am sure he will be truly missed.
I just found out of the passing of Vin Freeman. I got to meet him though a relative Jackie. My hopes and prayers goes out to his family. I am sure he will be truly missed.