Richard Freeman

Richard Thomas Freeman, beloved husband, father, brother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at his home in Arco, Idaho. He was born on October 27, 1943, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Edwin James Freeman and Elizabeth McGary Freeman. He was raised in a large family and was the seventh of nine children.

Richard married and was sealed to his sweetheart, Anita Lyn Metcalf, on July 1, 1966, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, education, hard work, and service to others.

Richard earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish and Biology from Idaho State University, formerly known as Idaho State College. He devoted his professional life to education, serving as a public junior high and high school teacher in Pocatello and Arco, Idaho. He also enjoyed teaching adult community education courses in computer skills, helping people of all ages learn to use new and rapidly evolving technology.

In addition to his teaching career, Richard owned and operated his own small farm and ranch. He also spent many evenings after school and weekends helping his father-in-law on his father-in-law’s farm, taking pride in the hard work involved in caring for the land. Over the years, his strong work ethic also found him driving a school bus route and delivering the Post Register in the early morning hours to families throughout the Lost River Valley.

Richard had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed sports, traveling, camping, and many hobbies throughout his life. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening (growing many flowers and vegetables from seeds in early spring) woodworking, beekeeping, and caring for animals, including cattle, horses, chickens, geese, pigs, and rabbits. His curiosity, love of nature, creativity, and willingness to work with his hands were evident in the many projects and activities he pursued.

Richard also had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed teasing the people he liked and had a playful way of letting those around him know they were special to him. His teasing, quick wit, and good-natured humor often brought laughter to family and friends. Those who knew him well will remember not only the things he taught them but also the smiles and laughter he brought into their lives.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard served two missions during his lifetime. His first mission was in Argentina from 1964 to 1966. In 2013, he served a gardening mission with his wife on the Navajo Indian Reservation, combining his love of gardening with his desire to serve others. His faith and commitment to service were important parts of his life and legacy.

Richard lived in several Idaho communities throughout his life, including Blackfoot, Pocatello, Mackay, Leslie, and Arco. Wherever he lived, he formed lasting friendships and contributed to the communities around him. His legacy will continue through his children, grandchildren, extended family, former students, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply loved, greatly missed, and forever remembered.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin James Freeman and Elizabeth McGary Freeman; his sisters, Gary Gabrielsen, Helen Ann Hadley, Joyce Elizabeth Felt Piel, and Shelley June Michaelson; and his brothers, John Mack Freeman, Michael Lindsey Freeman, and William (Bill) Stuart Freeman.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Lyn Metcalf Freeman; his brother, Edwin James (Jim) Freeman Jr.; and his eight children: Rhett Freeman (Suzanne), Jenny Cummins (Russell), Amy Stokes (Kent), Kami Bailey (Robert), Jason Freeman (Amy), Angie McAffee (Rye), Mia Carr (Chad), and Sharese Maynard. He also leaves behind thirty grandchildren and five great-granddaughters; a large and loving family whose lives were touched by his example, wisdom, humor, hard work, and devotion.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, 2555 US-93, Arco, Idaho. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Moore Stake Center, 3100 N 3350 W, Moore, Idaho, with Bishop Jake Reynolds presiding. A viewing for family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m. before the funeral. Interment will follow the services at the Leslie Cemetery in Leslie, Idaho.