Robert "Bob" C. Freeland, 91 of Gnadenhutten died on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family, after breaking his hip and having multiple complications from the fall.

A lifelong resident of Gnadenhutten, Bob was born on June 26, 1933, to the late George Denton and Eunice (Leggett) Freeland.  He graduated from Uhrichsville High School in 1951 and then served in the United States Army as a medic in Germany. During his time in the service, Bob married Alma "Bunnie" Armstrong on November 28, 1953, at the Central Methodist church in Richmond, Indiana. They recently celebrated 71 wonderful years of marriage.  After his time in the service Bob worked for Ross Clay and Belden Brick of Uhrichsville until their closing.  Bob then worked for Stone Container until his retirement in December of 1998.

In his free time and after retirement, Bob enjoyed fishing with his son and grandsons, from which many memories were made. He was also an avid hunter and especially loved coon hunting with his son. There are many stories of climbing hills, lost dogs and long hikes through the woods.

Bob liked watching and being involved with sports as well. He was a fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes and never missed an opportunity to see his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play.  Bob coached the Lady Rebels in the Tuscarawas County League for many years and several trophies were won during that time. He also coached Men's slow pitch softball and both the Men's and Women's Church League teams.

In addition to his wife Bunnie, Bob is survived by his children: Steve (Sara) Freeland and Christy (Jay) Smith; his grandchildren: Charity Simmerman, Steve (Jennifer) Freeland, Jessica (Chad) Thomas, Shanon (Wayne) Matsel and Shyan Freeland; his great-grandchildren: Austin Simmerman, Kaylynn  Freeland, Tayelor Freeland and her fiancée, Brandon Keith, Hayden Freeland, Jayden Lippencott and her fiancée Daniel Wulff, Cavyn Thomas, Brityn Thomas, Dominick Hutchinson, Dawson Matsel, Mathew Matsel, Daxton Matsel and Riley Moser; his great-great-grandchildren: Colt Wulff and Lucas Wulff and numerous nieces and nephews that were very special to him.

Along with his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two daughters: Debbie Simmerman and infant daughter Lori Jean; all his siblings: James Bullock, Leroy Freeland, Mary Sanders, Ruth Cerana, Carrie Garabrandt and Helen Baker; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Maurice and Margaret Armstrong.

Bob was a member of the Newport Global Methodist Church where he served on multiple committees and taught Sunday School for many years. He also loved attending the Silver Bells at the Gnadenhutten United Methodist Church.  Bob was a great example to his family and will be deeply missed.

Visitation and funeral services for Bob will be on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Koch Funeral Home of Gnadenhutten, 244 N. Walnut St., 44629. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 P.M.  officiated by Pastor Kory Rowland. Immediately following, military honors will be performed by the Newcomerstown Veteran's Honor Guard at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Newport Methodist Cemetery in Newport. Memorial contributions can be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 61 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Akron, Ohio 44333, or to the Newport Global Methodist Church, 8022 Newport Rd SE, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683.

Compassionate Care Hospice
61 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd, Akron OH 44333

Newport Global Methodist Church
8022 Newport Rd SE, Uhrichsville OH 44683