OWLS HEAD — Richard Charles Freeman, 86, died peacefully at home on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Born in Rockland on August 21, 1940, he was one of eight children of Earle Sr. and Alice (Lawry) Freeman. He was educated locally and graduated from Rockland High School. In 1959, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in California for much of his service and was honorably discharged in 1963.

After returning to Maine, Richard married Betty Austin. They made their home in Rockland their entire married life. Richard went to work for Boothbay Engineering, helping clear land and build Interstate 95 north of Bangor. He worked tirelessly, often sleeping in tents or converted school buses and snowmobiling deep into the woods to clear the way for the highway and power lines. He also worked on the Back Bay project in Portland and later for several construction companies in the Down East Area. A hard worker, he often worked alongside his brothers-in-law and his son.

When he wasn’t working, Richard loved being in the woods, hunting and practicing his marksmanship. He achieved the highest rating of Distinguished Expert and taught shooting to many younger generations. He spent countless hours at the Oyster River Range and the Pine Hill Shooting Club until it closed, always with Betty at his side. He taught her to shoot and hunt as well, and they went on to win many state awards and championships.

An avid sports fan, Richard rooted for every New England team and would be quick to tell you if you were cheering for the wrong one, family included. Richard and Betty shared a special love for animals and over the years cared for several beloved dogs.

He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his wife, Betty, in 2014; two brothers, Earle Freeman, Jr. and David Freeman; as well as two brothers-in-law, Arthur Turner and Walter Wooster; Richard is survived by his sons, Scott Freeman and his wife Diana of Winterport, Kevin Freeman and his wife LeeAnn of Weeks Mills; his grandchildren, Rachel Freeman and her significant other Robbie MacDonald, Anthony Freeman and his spouse Ryan Moore; a great-grandson, Kai MacDonald; his siblings Fayelene Hawkins and her husband John of Rockland, Sandy Turner of Rockland, Dianne Wooster of Rockland, Debi Malone and her husband Frank of Lisbon Falls, Roger Freeman and his wife Teri of Rockland; and two sisters-in-law, Francois Freeman of South Carolina, and Nancy Freeman of California.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 6, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Achorn Cemetery. All are invited to a reception immediately following at the Owls Head Community Center, 224 Ash Point Drive, Owls Head.

To share a memory or condolence with the Freeman family, please visit their Remembrance Page at www.bchfh.com.