Freeman Dilbeck Passes Away
Freeman Lee Dilbeck, 87, of Stillwater passed away Friday, May 1, 2020, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be at Strode Funeral Home in Stillwater on Thursday (May 7) and Friday (May 8) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 9 th , at 1:00 p.m. at Stillwater Church of Christ.
Social distancing recommendations will be followed. A burial service will be immediately following at Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery in Stillwater. A live stream will be available on the Stillwater Church of Christ Facebook page.
Freeman was born in Cordell, Oklahoma to Snow Benson and Hazel Beatrice (Johnson) Dilbeck on February 27, 1933. After graduating from Atwood High School, he obtained a degree in business from Oklahoma City University.
He met the love of his life, Lettie Lou Cosper during their college days at East Central University where they began their courtship. Freeman and Lettie shared many fond memories of their time on the campus of East Central. They were married January 20, 1956. In 1961, after various stints in Oklahoma and Illinois, Freeman and his family moved to Stillwater to purchase a family insurance agency and later added real estate to his business. Freeman and Lettie set deep roots in Stillwater which included a fond love for Oklahoma State University.
His indomitable spirit and business acumen allowed him to provide wonderfully for his growing family for decades with the Dilbeck Agency. Never knowing a stranger, he made strong friends in the business community and was a charter member of the Frontier Rotary and received Realtor Emeritus from the National Association of Realtors.
Upon moving to Stillwater, Freeman and Lettie immediately joined the Stillwater Church of Christ and made it a central part of their family life over the years including building campaigns, deaconship, and youth leadership.
Freeman was eaten up with farming life, having grown up in it out of necessity and returned to it later as a leisure enterprise. He found great joy in curating properties for his family’s enjoyment and showcasing John Deere tractors.
Nothing was more precious to Freeman than his family. His greatest joy has been being surrounded by his survivors: his beloved wife Lettie; his children and their families, Greg and Becky Dilbeck, Tim Dilbeck and Pam Seal, and Beth and Trent Hawkins; his grandchildren and their families, Quinten and Sheema Dilbeck, Abby and Robert Titus, Adrien and Clayton Francis, Mackenzie and Jeremiah Bro, Shane Dilbeck, Jessica Dilbeck, and Danielle Dilbeck; and great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Mitchell Francis, Lily and Lincoln Titus, Sawyer and Maverick Bro, and Sloane Cheramie. Freeman is also survived by his sister, Joyce Treat of Atwood, as well as a myriad of extended family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the University Center Foundation Building Fund: Attn.: Freeman Dilbeck Memorial, P.O. Box 2168, Stillwater, OK 74076-2168.
Condolences may be sent to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by visiting www.strodefh.com