Weldon Louis Freeman

Weldon Louis Freeman, 77, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024, after a lengthy illness.  Burial will take place Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Pecan Gap Cemetery, Pecan Gap, Texas.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Commerce. You are invited to a reception immediately following the funeral service in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church.

Weldon was born August 1, 1946, in Lubbock, Texas to Ruby and Ed Freeman. He graduated from Tahoka High School in 1965.  After joining the US Navy, he became a signalman on the USS Bradford during the Viet Nam War.  He returned to Lubbock and graduated from Texas Tech.  Weldon spent his working years in industrial sales, selling ball bearings and designing conveyer belts and also as a store manager in Paris and Greenville.

Weldon met Sharline Garrison Lavender at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas in 1986, and he soon charmed her with his friendly personality and sense of humor.  Weldon became an instant dad to three grown children, and he quickly won over Shannon, Greg, and Kelly with his easy-going nature.

In 1999, Weldon and Sharline moved to Pecan Gap, where they renovated Sharline's grandparents' 100-year-old home.  They both became very involved in the community.

 Weldon also found himself a Baylor sports fan, and he adopted the alma mater of most of the family he had married into.  And he relished his next role in life as grandfather to 7 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Weldon is survived by his wife, Sharline, and children Shannon Lavender Leyerle and husband Mark of Spring, Texas; Greg Lavender and wife Laura of Dallas, Texas; and Kelly Lavender Mason and husband Mike of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by grandchildren Jon Leyerle, wife Kara, and daughter Nora; Elisabeth Leyerle; Philip Leyerle; Luke Mason and wife Noel and children Webb and Woods; Matt Mason and wife Lexi and son Aiden; Ben Mason and wife Finna; Garrison Lavender, Graham Lavender, and Alaina Lavender.  Other survivors include a brother, Mickey Beautreaux and niece, Vicki O'Neal.

Weldon was a member of the Commerce Lions Club and Highland Terrace Baptist Church.  He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church, Commerce.  Weldon was known for his sense of humor that endeared him to all he met.  He volunteered at the Northeast Texas Children's Museum until his health made it difficult for him.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northeast Texas Children's Museum.

Serving as Pallbearers for Weldon are his grandchildren.  Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Commerce Lion's Club.

Weldon, happy trails to you!

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