Richard “Dick” Eldon Freel, Sr., age 77, passed away at his home on Monday, April 1, 2024, in Coffeyville, Kansas.

 

Dick was born on December 7, 1946, in Grants Pass, Oregon to P.H. and Birdie (Simmons) Freel. He grew up in Grants Pass where he attended local schools until his sophomore year of high school when the family relocated to Peru, Kansas where he graduated high school. Dick furthered his education at Coffeyville Community College where he earned an associate degree.

 

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, he did three tours in Vietnam on a riverboat and was also station in Korea for a time. Dick retired from active duty in the Navy and transferred to the Army Reserves for many years.

 

In June of 1972 he was united in marriage to Janet Jennings at the First Baptist Church in Coffeyville. From their union two children were born, Erica and Richard "Bo" Jr. The couple later divorced in 1987.

 

In 1975, Dick started work at the Co-op Refinery in Coffeyville.  He worked in several positions throughout the years and retired as an Inspector for Coffeyville Resources in 2013. Dick was a skilled painter and leatherworker.  He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, reading Louis L'Amour and smoking a nice cigar. 

 

On January 10, 1994, he was united in marriage to Patricia “Pat” Kasiska in Miami, Oklahoma.  The couple made their home in Coffeyville. Pat preceded him in death on January 10, 2022. 

 

Dick is survived by his daughter, Erica Freel and husband, John Clemons of Coffeyville, his grandchildren, Kayla and Damon Freel and his five dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents, P.H. and Birdie Freel, his wife, Pat Freel, ex-wife, Janet Freel and his son, Richard “Bo” Freel, Jr.

 

Following Dick’s wishes, cremation will take place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. No public services are scheduled at this time.

 

To share a memory or leave a message for the family online, visit www.dwbfh.com