David Paul Freeland

David Paul Freeland, 81, of Robinson, IL, passed away on May 11, 2023, in the comfort of his home with his beloved family by his side. He was born July 3, 1941, in Mattoon, IL, the son of L.W. & Bertha Freeland. He graduated from Neoga High School in 1959 and then graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a B.S. degree in Education and would later earn a Master's Degree. Starting in 1964, Dave taught Vocational Education for a total of 35 years, beginning at Newton High School before moving on to Hutsonville and Palestine. In 1973, he married Sharon Williamson, and she survives.

Dave's life was enriched by his varied interests. He was an amateur radio operator, a hunter, a fisherman, a photographer, and an award-winning winemaker! He and his family traveled to black powder shoots, camping for several years in a teepee. He made Appalachian and hammered dulcimers, and he and Sharon played them at camps and at church. He played an acoustic bass at camps and gatherings with friends. An accomplished woodworker, his home always had furniture and adornments he made. After retiring, Dave was overjoyed to own property on Kentucky Lake - fishing, boating, and making his favorite grilled chicken for family and friends.

He was a member of the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250, the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188, and the Robinson First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon Williamson Freeland of Robinson, IL; his daughter, Pamela Lynn Freeland of Spokane, WA; his son, Christopher David Freeland (Chris Cozzoni) of Navarre, FL; his grandson, Benjamin Butler (Alicia); his granddaughters, Baileigh Butler, Emma Courtney, and Abi Courtney; and his great-granddaughter, Roslyn Butler. His brother, Gary Freeland (Dixie), also survives, as do several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson, Scott Courtney.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 15th, at the Robinson First United Methodist Church. A funeral service will immediately follow and be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday at the church, with Pastor Terry Evans officiating. A live stream of the service will be available on the church's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@fumcrobinson7907/streams

Burial will be in the Newlin Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorials be made to the "Dave Freeland Memorial Scholarship", which will provide assistance to students pursuing a degree or certificate from a trade school, technical school, or on-the-job training program, including community college. The scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior graduating from Hutsonville or Palestine High School or continuing college student who graduated from those schools. Memorials may also be made to the "NOW Program", administered by the First United Methodist Church in Robinson. Envelopes will be available at the church and at the funeral home.