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Robert Freeman Obituary

Robert L. "Bobby" Freeman was a man of God and a man of the people. While he was born in Washington, D.C. on April 27, 1934, he was a life-long resident of his beloved Plaquemine, Louisiana. For Bobby, boxing was his first love. At Plaquemine High School, Bobby was a distinguished athlete, winning the 1951 Louisiana State Boxing Championship for his weight class. Upon graduation from Plaquemine High, where he was later inducted into the Hall of Fame, Bobby was able to attend Louisiana State University on a boxing scholarship. From 1952-1956, he was a Varsity Letterman and is the only college boxer to hold three consecutive Sugar Bowl boxing championship titles. In 1954, Bobby received the prestigious Billings Memorial Award for Boxing, and in 1954-55, he was the NCAA Boxing Champion Runner-Up. After LSU, Bobby attended Loyola University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate. He opened his first law office in Plaquemine, and his legal career spanned more than half a century, for which he was recognized by the Louisiana State Bar Association. In 1956, Bobby served his country as a Special Agent in the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps. He was honorably discharged 1959 and continued to contribute to his country and community by entering public service in 1968. He believed that public service was an honorable profession and embarked on a vibrant and lengthy career in public service. He was a lifelong Democrat who was elected to three consecutive terms from 1968-1980, in the Louisiana House of Representatives for the Parishes of Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge. His legislative years demonstrated his seriousness of purpose, with a special affinity for helping others, particularly the marginalized, disadvantaged and voiceless. His appreciation of everyone's opinion and beliefs made him an effective and respected floor leader in the Louisiana Legislature, where he was committed to the right outcome, rather than the partisan outcome. Bobby had the ability to connect to a broad range of people, resulting from his early years where he worked as an oil field hand for Carter Oil and an X-ray technician at Charity Hospital, and later at Wildlife & Fisheries and as a deputy with the Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office. These diverse experiences fueled his empathy for working people of all walks. In 1980, Bobby was elected Lieutenant Governor, serving as leader of the Democratic Party. His tremendous pride in Louisiana, which earlier led him to author legislation making "You Are My Sunshine" the State song, continued. With his re-election in 1984, he served as Consul General for the Louisiana World Exposition. Most notably, as Lt. Governor, he was responsible for establishing and presiding over what became the Commission of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and Office of Film and Video. Bobby concluded his public career as a Judge on the Plaquemine City Court bench. His election in 1990 gave him the unique distinction of serving in all three branches of government-legislative, executive and judicial. In recognition of his long career and enduring contributions, he was inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum - Hall of Fame. In 1988, Bobby was knighted by the President of the Republic of Italy. In recognition of his community service and his athletic and professional career, Bobby was the recipient of other numerous awards: Louisiana National Guard Cross of Merit; Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award; Twice recipient of the A. Philip Randolph Institute Award; Twice recipient of the United Native American Appreciation Award; Catholic Daughters of America Recognition Award; LSU Athletic Hall of Fame; NCAA College Athletics Top 10 Hall of Fame; Louisiana Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame; USA Southern Region Association Hall of Fame; and Italian American Hall of Fame. Bobby's devotion to his community and State was only rivaled by his devotion to his family. Bobby is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marianne Drago Freeman, his children, Lisa Freeman Guidry and Robert L. "Bobby" Freeman, Jr.; his grand-daughter Mary Katherine Freeman Koch; his son-in-law Burton Guidry; his sister Joan Rougon Freeman; Jana Ilyce Lubert; his sister-in-law Janet Harper Freeman; his nieces, Susan Freeman Futrell and Stacie Rougon Langlois; his nephews, James Freeman, Jr., Dr. Mark Freeman, Shawn Rougon, Scott Rougon, and Steve Rougon; and 11 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Freeman and his mother, Rosa Borruano Freeman Rivet, and his brother, Dr. James Freeman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church and School Capital Campaign, 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana 70764. Memorial Service is on Monday, May 23, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine, Louisiana. Visitation from 8:00 until 11:00. Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00.

Published by The Advocate from May 18 to May 23, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Freeman

Not sure what to say?





I cannot believe it's been so long since Bobby passed away. He was a gentleman and really a class guy. I have so many fond memories of when we worked together in the state government. We all sure miss him.
Jim Brown

Jim Brown

Friend

May 12, 2023

It's hard to believe the five years have passed since we lost our dear friend Bobby Freeman. He was a great lieutenant governor, and the man behind the success of a number of governors when he served in the state legislature. Many of us knew him well still remember the big smile on his face, his love of politics, and the particular love he had of his family. As we move on in our lives, I'm sure many others joining me and having fond memories of really a great guy. We sure miss you Bobby.

Jim Brown

Friend

May 12, 2021

It's hard to believe that for years have passed since losing Bobby. He was so full of life and brought such joy do you any gathering.. He always have a smile, no matter what the circumstances. Louisiana has lost a real major force, and he would be right in the fight of the virus today. We sure do miss him.l

Jim Brown

Friend

May 12, 2020

My sincerest condolences to the Freeman family, Mr. Bobby was a great mentor and role model for me and I am very sorry to have missed the funeral. May his light shine bright in Heaven above.

Jimmy Burland

May 25, 2016

Bobby Jr. -- I have such fond memories of spending time with your dad and whole family many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now. Much love...

Jennifer Hantel Traina

May 24, 2016

My deepest sympathy and prayers goes out to you marianne and family !! Bobby was a great person and he will be missed dearly by all !!

Wanda Favaron

May 23, 2016

Bobby,
May you and your family embrace the love, peace and comfort of our Lord during this time of grief, and praise God for the time He has blessed you all with your loved one's wonderful spirit. May he enjoy a joyous, restful, eternal peace in God's presence.

Paul McKendall

May 23, 2016

Bobby, Jr. and the entire Freeman family, my heart goes out to you. I am holding you in love and light. My condolences.

[email protected]

Alex Cross

May 23, 2016

I am so sorry Ms. Marianne. The world lost a wonderful man but Heaven gained another Saint to watch over us. Him and daddy (Gary) are together once again. All my prayers are with you, Lisa and Bobby Jr. I pray you find comfort in your memories of Mr. Bobby.

Staci Hoyt (Stuard)

Friend

May 22, 2016

Marianne, I am sorry to hear about Bobby. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Greta Dawson

May 22, 2016

Marianne, I am sorry to hear about Bobby. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Greta Dawson

May 22, 2016

Lisa & the Freeman family... so very sorry for your loss. Will keep you all in my prayers.

Ruth O'Connor

May 21, 2016

Marianna and family, you have our heartfelt sympathy. He was a friend and a masn to be admired. He was so kind to all faiths. When we were at First Baptist Plauemine his door was always open. May God bless you.

Rev. George Berger

May 21, 2016

What a great loss this is to all of the Louisiana Family. He was truly a great man. Condolences to all.

Brent Campanella

May 20, 2016

Lisa, Burt and the Freeman Family
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. I'm sending you hugs from afar. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Look to GOD for strength and understanding.

Wanda Faye Dupas

May 20, 2016

TO THE FREEMAN FAMILIES, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL DAILY CONTINUE TO PRAY AND GOD WILL COMFORT YOU, EARTH HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL. OPDA

ALRED & TROYLYN-CRAYTON JEFFERSON & FAMILY

May 20, 2016

So sorry to hear of Bobby's passing. My condolences to his family.
I had the pleasure of serving eight years with Bobby and never had kind words to say about his service.

Murray Hebert

May 20, 2016

Lisa, Please accept my prayers and condolences on the loss of your father. He was a great man and contributed so much to Louisiana, but he was so special to you-- Daddys always are. Feel free to call upon me for anything I can do to help you or Burton at this time. Your family will be in our hearts and prayers.

Debbie Berthelot

May 20, 2016

The entire staff at Wilbert Funeral Service expresses our sincere condolences. May your heart soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together as you celebrate a life well lived!

The Staff of Wilbert Funeral Home

May 20, 2016

My deepest Sympathy Marianne to you and the Family.You
have always been dearest of friends to the Virgets Family.
Prayers for Bobby and you all.

Tommy Virgets

May 20, 2016

With deepest sympathy. May your family find comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Lucille Berthelot

May 20, 2016

Marianne and Lisa, the list is long for those of us who remember and salute Bobby's contributions in making Louisiana a better place through his productive, distinguished career in public service and law. Thank you, Bobby!

Ken Duncan

May 19, 2016

Miss Marianne--
I am so sorry for your loss of Mr Bobby. Please know that all of your friends at Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center are praying for you and holding you close in our hearts.

Donna Labbé

May 19, 2016

A true legend in all aspects of life. You will be missed Mr. Freeman. Prayers to Lisa, Miss Marianne and family.

May 19, 2016

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY

Marie Robertson Pugh

May 19, 2016

Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Marianne and all of Bobby's loving family at this time of such great loss- May Our Lord grant comfort in treasured memories of him as he now rests peacefully in the Arms of Jesus

Nicky & Charmelle Guercio

May 19, 2016

OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO BOBBY'S FAMILY IN THEIR TIME OF LOSS. BOBBY WAS A GOOD MAN AND FRIEND

JOHNNY HONEY

May 18, 2016

Bobby was a dear friend, and I had the honor of serving in public life with him for over 20 years. We traveled the state together on many occasions. Bobby was sincere, funny, a dedicated to his family, and a truly outstanding public servant. His friends and family will miss him and Louisiana will miss him. God rest, my friend Bobby.

Jim Brown

May 18, 2016

Marianne:
My prayers are extended to you and your family at this time of sorrow.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Joyce Landry Hymel

Joyce Landry Hymel

May 18, 2016

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