Visitation: Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 2:00 - 6:00 P.M. @ Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel 601 Franklin St. Mansfield, LA

Rosary: Friday, January 31, 2025, 9:30 A. M. St. Joseph Catholic Church 305 Jefferson St. Mansfield, LA followed by Mass and Funeral at 10:00 A.M.

Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, 8: A.M. Rosary 9:00 A.M. IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH in Lafayette, LA followed by Mass and Funeral at 11:00 A.M.

John Leurin “Free” Freeman
August 19, 1949 – January 18, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that the family of John Leurin “Free” Freeman announces his passing on January 18, 2025, at the age of 75. John was born on August 19, 1949, to Sebastian Sellers and Lurin Michael Freeman, and was raised in Crowley, Louisiana. He began his education at St. Theresa Catholic School and graduated from H.C. Ross High School before earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana - Lafayette).

John’s career spanned several decades, during which he worked in various roles for CLECO utility company. He dedicated his professional life to service, working his way up through the organization and contributing to its growth and success. In his later years, John served as a liaison between the company and various local, state, and federal governmental agencies, including the Louisiana Workforce Commission, playing a key role in public affairs and community relations.

Beyond his professional career, John was deeply involved in his community. He was a former president and member of the Board of Directors of the DeSoto Parish Chamber of Commerce, contributing to the region's economic development. John also served on several other local boards, including the DeSoto Regional Hospital Foundation and Hospital Board of Directors. and the Louisiana Technical College/Mansfield Campus Advisory Committee. His service extended to numerous community and workforce initiatives, where he worked to improve education, employment, and public services in the region.

John was married to his beloved wife, Carolyn, for 51 years, and together they raised their children, Mark Freeman (Jacqueline) and Cheryl Mack (Keith). He was a proud grandfather to Alexandra, Lillian, Brandon, and Jacob. John also leaves behind his sisters Elsie Bazile (Jerome) and Connie Freeman, and his brother Andrew Freeman (Christine), along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who were dear to him.

A faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mansfield, LA, and former member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lafayette, LA, John devoted much of his time to both his church and the community. He was known for his kindness, humility, and strength of character. His legacy of faith, service, and love will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

A visitation to celebrate John’s life will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Jenkins Funeral Home in Mansfield, LA. A mass will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mansfield, LA at 10:00 AM, preceded by a rosary at 9:30 AM.

An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lafayette, LA. A rosary will be prayed at 9:00 a.m. after which visitation will resume until the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.give.michaeljfox.org) or the DeSoto Regional Hospital Foundation.

John’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the support and prayers during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love.