Frank Lynn Freeman

Frank Lynn Freeman “Grizzly" 66 of Mobile was called home on 09/05/2025 in Mobile, Alabama surrounded by family. Frank was born November 7,1958 to Beverly Freeman and James Todd, in Jacksonville, Florida. Although he was the only child between the two, he had many siblings. As the oldest child of his mother's, he helped raise and take care of his four younger siblings from his mom. One of his responsibilities was to cook for them. Cooking became a passionate hobby for him that he took great pride in, and he never hesitated to pass down his knowledge to anyone who asked. As he grew so did his abilities and he used baking to demonstrate his artistic side that he didn't share much of anywhere else. There are so many memorable wedding and birthday cakes that his family and friends remember fondly including; a clown cake, a supreme pizza cake (for a Ninja Turtle party), a Thomas the Train cake, a Mickey Mouse cake, a Moana cake, and even a fish aquarium cake. Not only did the cakes look realistic they also tasted amazing. He took great pride in both the way they looked as well as how they tasted, which was always phenomenal, but that also came with a few late-night runs to a store because something wasn't perfect. Frank met his beloved wife Joanne Mitchell in1976 at Dauphin Way Baptist Church. They were married soon after, in August of 1977. They welcomed two daughters into the world by the end of 1980 and worked hard to teach them strong family values, the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, working hard to earn what you have, and to provide for them both. They spent most of their early years raising their family in Mobile, AL until 1994 when they moved to Towanda, KS to continue demonstrating the importance of taking care of family, so Frank could be closer to his mother again and help her as she got older. In 2008 he took a job at Austal so they could return home to Mobile, AL where they had plans to retire. He worked for Austal until 2012. Besides cooking, Frank also loved golf. He spent many weekends playing the game he enjoyed with his high school friends, to relax at the end of the week. He also took the time to share his passion with his daughters and grandchildren. Frank took every opportunity he could to play, watch, and share his love and knowledge of golf with his friends, daughters, and grandchildren. Frank was always learning (his mind constantly analyzing the world around him) and took pride in applying what he learned to his everyday life. He could start the day building a computer, move outside to remove an engine or fix a car problem and finally finish up the day by going inside and whipping up a dinner that was better than any restaurant. Because of all these things and the many jobs he had it is no wonder that he became a teacher. While he was working at United Machine Company in Wichita, Ks, he got his Journeymen's license and taught at Cowley County Community College, there he taught students how to use many different types of machines including CNC machines and manual lathes, or that when he and his beautiful wife Joanne, returned to Mobile, he continued teaching as part of his job at Austal. While he was always trying to teach those around him, he would also hold them accountable and if someone told him “It's almost done/right” he would almost certainly reply with, “Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” He would use any chance he had to teach those around him a life lesson, how to change a tire, run electrical lines, fix a computer, make a roux, or bake a cake. His love for teaching and cooking is why it came as no surprise that while he worked for Austal he coordinated many Friday lunches, that he took great pride in cooking for. After a heart attack in February of 2010, he proved to his doctors just how full of life and stubborn he truly was as they only gave him about three years to live, and we were blessed to have him for almost 16 years. Retirement may have come sooner than expected, but because of it his children and grandchildren benefited greatly thanks to his newfound free time. He spent most of his time with them, always teaching and sharing with them. (Even if they thought that they didn't need it.) Frank always wanted to help those around him be the best version of themselves that they could be, like it was his only purpose in life. One of his favorite quotes to say to his grandkids was, "It's your monkey.........do it the way you want to!" Frank Lynn Freeman is survived by his beloved wife (48 years) Joanne Freeman of Mobile, AL two daughters: Jennifer Boguzski (Joe) of Wichita, KS Kelly Babcock (DJ) of Ward, AR nine grandchildren: Brandi Babcock of Illinois, Colin Babcock (Madlene) of Germany, Paolo Babcock of North Carolina, Nathan O’Neal of Kansas, Catherine Flatt (Kristal) of Arkansas, Patrick Babcock of Arkansas, Isabella King (Alex) of Kansas, Shelby O’Neal of Missouri, and Joseph Babcock of Arkansas. Six great grandchildren; Aden Krulic Arkansas, Annabeth Babcock Arkansas, Opal Flatt Arkansas, Henry Moody Arkansas, Jasper Flatt Arkansas, and Liam Babcock Germany. Three maternal sisters: June Freeman, Vickie McGinty, and Pamela Freeman. Paternal siblings Patrick Todd (Lisa), Kelly Thomas (Pat), Randy Guay (Collen), and Gaylene Erickson (Jon). His cats Lily and Ollie, and many nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by maternal brother Dale Freeman, father James Todd, maternal grandmother Elizabeth Ramsey, and mother Beverly Freeman. A celebration of life will be held at a later date that the family will announce when it is set. The family thanks you all for your love, prayers, and support during this difficult time and new chapter of life.

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Frank Lynn Freeman

November 7, 1958 - September 5, 2025