Leon Freeman, 85, of Silsbee, died Monday, February 8, 2010, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.

Leon was born in Silsbee on September 2, 1924, to E. F. Freeman and Clara Lou Caraway Tolar.  He grew up in Devers, Texas.  The family then moved to Beaumont.  In 1948, Leon and his family moved to Lumberton where Leon and his father built and established the first business, which they named 4-Corners, along the then, being constructed, Hwy. 96 at Chance cut-off.  He also served in the United States Army.

He is survived by his sister, Maxine Luttrell; children, Leavon Hartman and her husband James of Lumberton, Karen Brooke, Leon Gilbert Freeman and Judy Freeman, and Anette McKeehan and her husband Kelly all of Silsbee; 12 grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Leon is preceded in death by his wife, Elvis Louise Freeman; and brothers, Earl and Gene Freeman.

Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee with burial to follow at R. S. Farmer Cemetery.  A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.