Frank Freeman, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed on October 29, 2014. One of 'The Greatest Generation" he grew up in the Great Depression and served in World War II. Staff Sergeant Freeman flew 51 missions as a ball turret gunner on an Army Air Corp B-17, The Sandman, and was honored for his service during Operation Frantic, shuttle missions between Italy and Russia. His crew remained close friends all of their lives, and attended many reunions. In recent years, Mr. Freeman shared his war experiences with young people at the Wings of Freedom B-17 tours in Boca Raton.

Born in 1923, Freeman grew up on a farm in Western Pennsylvania, and brought his family to South Florida in 1970, where he worked as a carpenter. He loved baseball, was an inspiring girls' softball coach, and was an umpire for many years with the local softball leagues.

Mr. Freeman was married to his childhood sweetheart Grace Copeland Freeman until she passed away in 2004. He is survived by his loving companion, Dorothy McDermot; his eight children: Judith Bateson, Patricia Kelley, Jerry Freeman, Fred Allen, Kathleen Freeman, Norma DeOto, Nancy Freeman, and Cheryl Freeman; and his many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2014 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Ave. (N. Federal Hwy) Delray Beach. A funeral service will be held on Monday November 3, 2014 1:00PM at Lorne & Sons Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the South Florida National Cemetery.