Ned Wayne Freeman , 92, of Syracuse, died peacefully at his lake home at 12:49 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Born on December 30, 1930, in Frankfort, Indiana, he was a son of the late George Wayne Freeman and Nellie Marie (Dodd) Freeman.  Growing up in Richmond, he graduated from Richmond High School in 1948. Continuing his education, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Earlham College.

On November 26, 1952, he married Alma Jean Riley.  They made their first home in Richmond, then moved to Indianapolis when Ned joined his parent's department store.

Desiring to live closer to the northern Indiana lakes, Ned and Alma opened a branch department store in Pierceton in 1955.  In 1960, they moved the store to Churubusco. In 1964, they purchased the former Yontz Grocery Store building in Columbia City, establishing the Fabric Center, a retail fabric and sewing machine retail store. In 1975, the business evolved to include draperies and interior décor, renaming the business Columbia House Interiors. They became a Pat Buckley Moss gallery and a premier drapery producer making impeccably crafted drapes and curtains. In 2003, they expanded their business, opening a store in Pierceton - Village Antique Gallerie, specializing in European antiques that the couple personally purchased on their trips to Europe. In 2012, the couple sold the Columbia City location and combined their interior décor, window covering, and antique business in Pierceton.

Ned had a passion for boating, both motor and sailboats. A member of the U.S. Power Squadrons – America's Boating Club, he completed the demanding Boat Operator Certification courses allowing him to rent and operate small yachts. He was a 60-year member of the Masonic Lodge 377, Pierceton, and a member of the American Baptist-First Baptist Church of Oswego.

Through the years Ned enjoyed Indiana Lake-living, Florida coastal living, downhill skiing, and snowmobiling. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Spending time with family was his greatest joy.

Surviving is his wife of 70 years, Alma; children David Freeman of Leesburg, Ned Brent (Karen) Freeman of Warsaw, Jon Eric Freeman of Columbia City, and Michelle Renee (Patrick) Ball of Columbia City; grandchildren, Kara (Terry) Huey, Kathryn (Ted) Egly, Krista (Nathan) Shoemaker, Rachelle (Albert) Bertini, Brooke Freeman, Whitney (Jon) Mullins, Courtney (Elliott) Spann, and Chad (Krystal) Freeman; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, George Freeman.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Thursday, June 1st, at the First Baptist Church of Oswego, 2985 E Church Street, Warsaw, IN. Burial is in the Oswego Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and 1 hour before the service at the church on Thursday.

Memorials in Ned's honor are to Samaritan's Purse.