William Everett Freeman, known to many simply as William, passed from this life on May 31, 2026, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, at the age of 81, from natural causes. He was born on February 10, 1945, in Claremore, Oklahoma, and lived a life marked by faith, service, wisdom, and devotion to family and community.
William was a Christian man whose life reflected the values he cherished most. He was loving, selfless, and wise, and those qualities shaped the way he treated his family, his friends, his students, his colleagues, and all who were blessed to know him. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and a founding member of the Tuesday morning Men’s Bible Study Group. His faith was not only spoken, but lived, and it guided him through every season of his life with humility and grace.
He shared more than 58 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sueann, and together they built a strong and faithful family. They raised two children, Scott Freeman (wife Julie) and Heather Foster (husband Buddy). William was a proud and loving grandfather to Timothy Young (wife Katie), Taylor Backofen (husband Jason), Trisha Guess (husband Joshua), and Margaret Friz (husband Seth). He also delighted in his twelve great-grandchildren: Drake, Chloe, and Noah (Young, mother Maggie); Sam, Benjamin, and Penelope (Backofen); and Jaden, Madeline, Charlotte, Everly, Aurora, and Hendrix (Guess). He is also survived by his brothers, Jesse Freeman Jr. and John Freeman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Margaret Freeman, and by his brothers Richard, Pat, and Ted, and his sisters Mary Elizabeth and Donna Faye.
William’s educational journey reflected his deep commitment to learning and to helping others grow. He graduated from Tulsa Central High School in Tulsa in 1963. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah in 1973, followed by a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling from the same university in 1977. He continued his studies at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where in 1980 he completed all but dissertation toward a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sociology of Education. His pursuit of knowledge was matched by his desire to use that knowledge in service to others.
Throughout his career, William devoted himself to education, leadership, and the betterment of his community. He served as a Teacher, Coach, and Administrator at Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah. He also served as Multi-Media Center Coordinator and Physical Education Instructor at Sequoyah Elementary in Tahlequah. At Bacone College in Muskogee, he held positions as Academic Dean, Acting Academic Administrator, Registrar, and Outreach Specialist. He also served as a Graduate Assistant Instructor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Later, he served with distinction as Executive Director and Deputy Director of Human Development for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Okmulgee. In every role, he carried himself with integrity, diligence, and a sincere concern for others’ well-being.
William was also active in professional organizations and educational associations, including the National Education Association, the Oklahoma Education Association, the Tahlequah Education Association, the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Coaches Association, the Oklahoma Secondary School Official Association, and the National Indian Education Association. He also served as a representative of the North Central Accreditation Association National Convention. His work and leadership left a lasting impact on the institutions and people he served.
Beyond his professional life, William found joy in sports, especially golf, which he enjoyed every day. He loved playing and coaching all sports, and his enthusiasm for athletics was matched by his encouragement of others. He was also a volunteer and supporter of Feed My Sheep, D D Etchieson United Methodist Church, and Wesley Foundation. His life was one of steady service, faithful witness, and generous spirit.
Those who knew William will remember his calm strength, his thoughtful counsel, and his steadfast devotion to those he loved. His life was a testimony to the truth of Philippians 3: 13-14, which says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead – PRESS ON.” He lived as a friend, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a mentor, and a servant of God.
William Everett Freeman leaves behind a legacy of faith, learning, leadership, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will remain a blessing to all who were touched by his life. May he rest in the peace of Christ, and may those who mourn him be comforted by the hope of eternal life.
William Everett Freeman leaves behind a legacy of faith, learning, leadership, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will remain a blessing to all who were touched by his life. May he rest in the peace of Christ, and may those who mourn him be comforted by the hope of eternal life.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the First United Methodist Church of Tahlequah, Feed My Sheep, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
