Francis Freville

Francis Freville, age 78, of Caro passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Tendercare of Cass City. He was born on July 15, 1933 in Grand Rapids to the late John and Phoebe (Bowman) Freville. From 1950 and 1951 Francis was voted All City in Grand Rapids, meaning that he was the best overall athlete for baseball, football, and basketball at Creston High School. Francis won a full scholarship to attend Grand Rapids Jr. College for two years. He joined the Army in 1953 for a two year stint in the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. Francis married Sally Lou Sweet in 1953 in Grand Rapids. He graduated from Central Michigan University in 1958. Francis started in 1958 and taught human biology at Caro Community High School until 1988 when he retired after 30 years in the same class room. He said that he always loved going to work at the school. In 1982 he married Norma (Harris) Decker. He and Norma started square dancing in 1981, but took a shining to the beauty of round dancing. They took round dancing lessons for 17 years from Cliff and Marilyn Hicks in Romeo. They traveled the U.S. and Bermuda to attend round dance conventions. They stopped dancing in 2000 for health reasons. Francis loved his music but it didnt help him carry a tune. He said “maybe theyll let me sing in the heavenly choir.” He enjoyed hymns and southern gospel music. His highlight of the summer was in August at Bay Shore Camp sitting all day Saturday listening to gospel groups. Francis enjoyed fishing, traveling, and all sports. He loved the Spartans, Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings. They have lost a faithful fan. Francis made so many beautiful things from wood. He and Norma traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, and spent 21 days in 11 countries in Europe, saw Mexico, South America, and many islands while on 8 cruises. Francis was a member of the Colwood U.B. Church in Caro. He had read the complete Bible five times. He is survived by his wife, Norma; one daughter, Dena (Dan) Torrez of Caro; one son, David (Robin) Freville of Okemos; his step-children, Nancy (Ken) Tomlinson of Caro, and Neil (Jane) Decker of Texas; his grandchildren, David, Danielle (Jason) Hargrove, and Garrett who are all from the Okemos area, and Tanner Torrez who lives in Caro; great-grandchildren, Chandler, Sally and Seeley Freville and Drake Hargrove of the Okemos area; step-grandchildren, Eric (Kristy) Tomlinson of Unionville, and Craig (Heather) Tomlinson of Fairgrove; step-great-grandchildren, Olivia and Bree Tomlinson of Unionville. Francis loved all of his grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, John (Diana) Freville of Belmont; a brother-in-law, Newell (Lois) Harris of Arizona; a sister-in-law, Joyce (Dick) Hampshire of Arizona; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Sally in 1980. A memorial service will be held at the Colwood United Brethren in Christ Church on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Michele Hile officiating. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the Collon Funeral Home on Friday, July 29, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Forget-Me-Nots Association or the Colwood U.B. Church.