Ron was a 1957 graduate of Wellsville High School. While in school he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, with which he would serve from 1956 – 1964. He began his farming career on his grandfather’s dairy farm on Fords Brook Road (North Branch) in Wellsville. In 1966 he bought his farm on Baker Road in the Town of Ward which he operated until 1982. While farming, he was also employed in several capacities, including: ACES at Alfred State College, The Feed Mill in Belmont, the Oil Leases for Otis-Eastern Corp., a driver for Allegany ARC, and as a bus driver for Wellsville Central Schools (where he was especially loved by the Wellsville Marching Lions) retiring in 2002. In 1982, he and his son Terrance, purchased their own oil leases on Noble Road in Belmont, and Davis Hill Road in Scio. Beyond his careers, he was involved with several organizations and events including: the FFA, which he first joined during High School; the leader of 4H, starting in 1966 until his death; Former vice president and long time member of the Allegany County Fair Board; member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge #601; member of the Chautauqua Moose-Legion #73; member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702; the first in New York State to offer a Snowmobile Safety Course (est. 1971); coaching for the Alfred-Almond Little League; a member of the First Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville; former president and founding member of the Jericho Hill Snowmobile Club; and life-long member of the Grange. His life was highlighted by his zeal and dedication to volunteering.
In addition to his wife of sixty-three years, June, he is survived by: two sons, Ricky (Angela) Freeman of Wellsville, and Terrence (Anna Mae) Freeman of Alma; three daughters, Yvonne (Gary) Davis of Friendship, Zelda (Larry) Watson of Andover, and Yvette Freeman of Andover; thirteen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; a niece, and several cousins. He was predeceased by: his parents; three sisters, Shirley Hamilton, Cleo Ruby Anderson, and Bonita Freeman; a brother, Douglas Freeman; and a daughter-in-law, Twila Freeman.
Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 7-9 PM and Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 2 -4 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville (34 West State Street). A memorial service will follow on Saturday at 4 PM in the funeral home with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Almond Grange, 799 Sibleys Road, Alfred Station, NY, 14803. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
Our deepest sympathy to all of Ron’s family & friends. Arnold had a lot of good conversations with him over the years. May God bless and comfort all of you.
ReplyDeleteArnold & Linda Hurd
Ron was a gentlemen among men. I had the honor of first meeting this mild mannered man, when he started bringing youth from his community to Oswegatchie FFA Camp. His interest in the camp started when he was a kid, attending for several summers in the 1950"s. I am confident he was just as excited to attend as an older adult as he was as a teenager. He kept the opportunity open for kids, and many members of his own family, to experience the magic of Oswegatchie. While his last trip was 10 years ago, his name often comes up in conversations with many of the teachers he became friends with. I am so glad i picked up the phone this summer and spoke to him. While i know he was weak at the time, his excitement and enthusiasm to hear about camp was evident. Ron, we will miss you. We thank you for keeping a tradition going when nobody else was around to make it happen. Rest in peace dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI knew Ron through Oswegatchie FFA camp; I was there during the many years that he continued bringing kids to camp after he was retired. He was so proud of his Alfred-Almond kids! He worked hard all week, along with the much younger adults, always keeping up or doing more than the rest of us. We enjoyed chats at the campfire, stacking endless firewood, painting, making truck runs to town and so much more. He has a special place in my heart! His dedication to kids and to agriculture was profound. He most truly will be missed by all of the campers, staff and advisors that new him and loved him! My deepest condolences to the family!
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