John Wright Freeman

Dr. John Wright Freeman, Jr. beloved husband, father, grandfather, professor and volunteer departed this life on July 15, 2017. John was born July 12, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. to John Wright Freeman Sr. and Evelyn Laire Freeman. A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at 2:00 pm at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 5020 W. Bellfort, Houston, Tx, 77035. John was many things to many people. He was a respected Space Physicist at Rice University where he taught for 30+ years. He also was Principal Investigator for an experiment which was deployed during the Apollo 12, 14 and 15 lunar landings for which he received the NASA Medal for Scientific Achievement. Later he helped create and directed the Master of Liberal Studies Program in the Continuing Education Department at Rice. For his teaching he was awarded the 2016 Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Annual Faculty Award. John’s compassion for others was shown in his community and in developing countries. John especially enjoyed sailing and participated in 5 marathons and multiple fundraising triathlons. He loved to travel, but his favorite place was the family cabin on Lake Superior. He was a loving husband to Phyllis and a committed father to his son and daughter.He was a doting grandfather, providing many happy memories for his grandchildren. He was a longtime member and elder of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Houston. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Phyllis, daughter Laurie and husband Mark Hindman, son David and fiance Michelle Bagwell, grandchildren Ryan, Alicia, Andrea and husband Thomas Johnson, and sister Carolyn Cook, additional family members, a host of friends, former students and beneficiaries of his service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Living Waters for the World (livingwatersfortheworld.org) and ALS Association Texas Chapter (donate.alstexas.org).