1931 – 2013

MEXICO — William R. Freeman Sr., 81, of Roxbury Road, Mexico, died peacefully at his home, with his family by his side, on Saturday, May 4.

He was born in Rumford on May 8, 1931, a son of Ray and Louise (Perkins) Freeman, and graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford, Class of 1949.

Bill worked as a self-employed painter and sand-blasting contractor in the area for many years until retirement.

He was married in Mexico on Sept. 14, 1985, to Carole A. Canwell, who survives, of Mexico. Other survivors include daughters, Lynda Derouche and husband, John, of West Peru, and Cynthia Proctor and husband, Dalton, of Weld; sons, William Freeman II and wife, Mary Ellen, Gregory Freeman and wife, Cynthia, and Andrew Freeman and wife, Brenda, all of Peru; stepdaughters, Mary Ellen Bedell of Hanover, and Lesa Nadeau and husband, Paul, of Windham; stepsons, Scott W. Murphy of Weymouth, Mass., and Maynard J. Murphy II and wife, Deborah, of Cape Elizabeth; many grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren; and six step-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Wing of Rumford, Erma-Jean Graham of Andover; stepsisters, Elaine Parmenter of Connecticut and Jeanne Crowley of Connecticut; a special grandson, Brandon; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.