Paul Freed

Paul L. Freed, 87, of Sikeston, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 15, 1918, in Hagarville, Ark., son of Arch Monroe and Nettie Lou Stone Freed. He and Mary Ranzle Manning were married Oct. 1, 1946, in Charleston, Mo.

Freed served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 6th Infantry Division, 63rd Regiment, Company E. He was wounded in action in Dutch New Guinea, received the Purple Heart, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He worked as a mechanic for 32 years at the Sikeston Motor Co.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Everett Manning of Carmel, Ind., Richard Freed of Scott City, Donnie Freed and Michael Freed, both of Sikeston; three daughters, Brenda Guinn of East Prairie, Mo., Gail Presley, Kathy Himes, both of Sikeston; two brothers, Beck Freed of LaFollet, Tenn., Lonnie Freed of Scott City; four sisters, Elsie Lewis of Homestead, Fla., Gladys Duke of Big Sandy, Texas; Louise Briggs of Colorado Springs, Colo., Billie Jean Walters of Flint, Mich.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son and three brothers.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Bob McNabb officiating.