Freeman F Mahaffey

Freeman Fulkerson Mahaffey was born on Wednesday, October 27, 1909, in Erie, Kansas. He was the son of Joseph and Onie (Fulkerson) Mahaffey. Freeman grew up in Erie and, later, lived in Blevins, Arkansas; San Diego, California; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Parsons, Kansas; Bullhead City, Arizona; Baffin Bay, Texas; Kingsville, Texas; and Osage City, Kansas, before moving to Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas in 2002, where he made his home until his death Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at the age of ninety-seven years. Freeman graduated from Erie High School with the class of 1930. He also attended Pittsburg State University for one year. He taught school for two years and was a linotype operator before going into the military. Following his service, he continued his work as a linotype operator in San Diego, California, and retired after fifteen years with the Parsons Sun in Parsons, Kansas. Freeman served his country in the United States Army from October of 1942 to October of 1945, during World War II, attaining the rank of Private First Class. He received the Good Conduct Medal, European Campaign Medal, African Campaign Medal, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. He was a lifelong Methodist. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars of Kingsville, Texas, and Memorial Post #5901 of Ottawa, American Legion of Kingsville, Texas, and Warren Black Post #60 of Ottawa. On January 19, 1946, Freeman was united in marriage with Martha Stecher in San Diego, California. She preceded him in death on October 29, 1986. Mr. Mahaffey is also preceded in death by four brothers, Glenn, Ben, Pearl and Bill Mahaffey; and one sister, Eva Stevens. He is survived by his daughter, Jo Ann Stigall and her husband, Jim, of Ottawa; grandchildren, Miki Rocker and her husband, Darren, of Ottawa, Russell Stigall of Anchorage, Alaska; great-grandchildren, Denali Stigall and Jaron Rocker, both of Ottawa; two brothers-in-law, Cecil Cummings and Franklin Stecher; and, several nieces and nephews. SERVICES: Memorial funeral services will be held from the Trinity United Methodist Church, Ottawa, Kansas, 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2007. CEMETERY: East Hill Cemetery, Erie, Kansas MEMORIALS: The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorials to Hope House c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.