Rodney J. Freeman, Sr., 73, of Baxter went home to be with the Lord Friday, January 11, 2013, at his home. Born May 14, 1939 in Harlan County, he was a retired coal miner with Eastover Mining Co. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and being outdoors, but he especially loved working at his church, Victory Baptist Church, where he was a very faithful member and helped with the vacation bible school, church ministry and anything else that needed to be done.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Hall Freeman; his parents, Vice Freeman and Flora Gibson Freeman; three sisters, Liz Towe, Bill Branson and Beatrice Baker; and three brothers, Gene, Bobby and Claude Freeman.

Survivors include three children, Pastor Rodney J. Freeman, Jr. and wife, Loretta, Evarts; Danny Freeman and wife, Gina, Gulston; Sherry Owens and husband, Billy, Harlan; two sisters, Kyla Browning and husband, Glen, Highsplint; Barb Shepherd and husband, Orville, Harlan; three brothers, Harry Freeman, Barbourville; Jerry Freeman and wife, Alda, Elcomb; and Charles Freeman and wife, Kitty, Ohio.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Joseph Freeman, Philip Freeman, Sarah Clark, Danny Freeman, Jr., Brooke Hensley, Travis Freeman, Billy Owens, Jr., Brian Owens and Tiffany French; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Victory Baptist Church in Evarts Sunday and Monday from 5 until 9 pm.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 3 pm at the Victory Baptist Church with Pastor Rodney J. Freeman, Jr. and Assistant Pastor William “Chick” Kelly officiating.

Burial will follow at the Resthaven Cemetery at Keith with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.harlanobits.net.

Evarts Funeral Home is in charge of his arrangements.