The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Joel Thomas Freeman, 67, of Nederland, peacefully departed this earth to be with his Lord and Savior on March 12, 2024, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.

A Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi in Orange. Officiating will be Father Sinclair Oubre.

A visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange followed by a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Born in Orange, Texas, on March 7, 1957, Joel was the son of Lloyd Edward “Lum” Freeman and Verdie Mae Freeman Maddox.

Known to many as "Papa Joel," he had a gift for bringing laughter and joy to those around him. His favorite saying, "I love making people laugh, other's joy is MY joy," encapsulates his dedication to spreading happiness. Always armed with a pun or a witty dad joke, Joel was a jokester at heart. His quick wit and funny quips could brighten even the darkest of days. Beyond his humor, Joel was deeply devoted to his faith as a devout Catholic. His belief was the cornerstone of his life. He also enjoyed social media and often referred to himself as a "motivational Facebooker," using his platform to share uplifting messages and spread positivity far and wide.

He had a passion for playing the piano, he loved to play music that touched the hearts of all who listened. Joel was also a dedicated fan of the Houston Texans football team. He would cheer them on with enthusiasm, always finding joy in sports and competition.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Edward “Lum” Freeman. He is survived by his parents, Verdie Mae and Kenneth Maddox; his children, Terry and Chelzea Freeman of Canada, and Krystal and Naika Malveaux of Abilene; his grandchild, Fiona Malveaux; the mother of his children, Martha “Mimi” Freeman; his siblings, Keith and Sue Freeman of Orange, Delena DeLaBarre of Pearland, Regina and Alan Karl of Mont Belvieu, Lloyd Timothy Freeman of Orange, and Lisa and Neal Hargrave of Bridge City; 10 nieces and nephews; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.