Funeral Home News

On Saturday, January 26, 2008 WB Morris Bram was joined by WB James C. “Jim” Martin, WB T. David Swafford and Bro Benjamin C. Martin at his residence in Lee’s Summit, Missouri for the purpose of presenting the prestigious honor and award of 70 years of Masonic Service. He entered the fraternity on October 5, 1937 and received his 25-year pin from WB J.C. Penney in 1962, later receiving his 50-year Masonic Service Certificate and Jewel in 1987. All of his service has been with the Hamilton Masonic Lodge #224 where he was a member of that Lodge’s traveling Third Degree Team in the late 1930’s through the 1950’s, and where he began his line advancement.

He received a framed certificate and lapel pin issued by the Grand Masonic Lodge of Missouri. Karyl Thomas accepted the honor of placing the 70-year pin on her grandfather. He responded with a sharp remembrance of many Brothers of the past that he served with on the Third Degree Team and remembering the many good deeds that WB J.C. Penney did for the Hamilton community and especially for our Lodge.

WB Morris Bram has been long retired as a Funeral Director, former owner of the Bram Funeral Homes in Hamilton and Kingston, Missouri but continues to be a shining light to not only in our Community, but also, to the Hamilton Masonic Lodge #224.

Don Freeman Retires After Long Career

After 45 years of service as a funeral director, Don Freeman has formally retired effective June 3, 2008.

Freeman has served as managing director of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett for the last 22 years. He began his career in the funeral service profession after graduating from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 1963. He enrolled in the Institute after earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University at Lubbock in 1960.

Active locally in church and civic organizations, Freeman has held many leadership positions during his years in Burkburnett. As a member of the Burkburnett Rotary club, he holds the organization’s Paul Harris Fellowship. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Burkburnett Chamber of Commerce, Burkburnett Housing Authority, and Burkburnett Legacy Foundation. He is a charter member of Central Church of Christ of Burkburnett where he serves as elder.

Freeman said he plans to stay busy in his retirement. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife Carol traveling and doing projects around the house,” he said. Freeman added that he plans to continue selling cemetery monuments as he has done for many years. “I will also be filling in on a part-time basis at the funeralhome when needed.”
Freeman and his wife have two children, Chris and Lisa, and seven grandchildren.

“Over the past 22 years—in a business that is demanding in many ways—Don Freeman has been a steady and dependable friend to many, providing hundreds of families in the Burkburnett community and surrounding area the benefits of his sincere care, compassion and service.” said Steve Mendenhall, owner of Owens & Brumley Funeral Homes.

Hanley Coach Sales Delivering

New 2008 Cadillac S & S Coach

to Roger Richie,

“John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Home”

St. Louis, Missouri