Donald E. Freeman, Jr.

Donald E. Freeman, Jr., 45, of Danville, passed away at 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at his home with his family beside him, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 15, 1959 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Don and Sonja (Whitson) Freeman. He married Kelly O'Blenis on January 30, 1977 at Lincoln United Methodist Church in Danville, IL. She survives. Other survivors include: 2 Daughters- Amy (Wyatt) Cline of Niles, MI, Jennifer (Eric Siddens) Freeman of Bismarck, IL; 1 Son- Donny Freeman of Bloomington, IL; his parents- Don and Sonja Freeman of Springfield, IL; 3 Sisters- Kathy (Steve) Streitz of Minneapolis, MN, Carol (Ed) Brannon of Nashville, Alice (Bryan) Bunjan of Granite City; 1 Brother- David (Mica) Freeman of Danville; his Mother-in-law- Nancy O'Blenis of Danville; Brother-in-law- Mike (Nancy Vinson) O'Blenis of Oakwood; Sister-in-law- Tammy (Greg) Lund of Danville; a very special Grandmother- Thelma Freeman of Decatur; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. His paternal grandfather, maternal grandparents, his father-in-law, brother-in-law, and a niece preceded him in death. Don attended Lincoln Grade School, North Ridge Junior High School, and Danville High School, graduating in 1977. He was a member of Lincoln United Methodist Church of Danville. Don very much enjoyed his work as a restaurant manager at Hometown Buffet in Champaign. For most of his life, he managed several restaurants in the Danville area, including owning and operating Donny's Donut & Sandwich Shop from 1982-1990. He enjoyed golfing, watching sports, and spending time with his family and friends. The annual golf outing, tailgating at Buddy's, and going to "the cabin" were things he always looked forward to. "His most precious accomplishments in life were his children. He was a very dedicated, loving, and supportive father. He was their biggest fan in whatever they choose to do."