Memorial service for Mitchell (Mitch) Jeff Free , 89,  Lawton, who passed away on December 19, 2017, will be held on Saturday, January 20 ^th , 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home  Chapel in Lawton, Oklahoma with Rev. Tom Willoughby and John Echols officiating.

Mitch was born on July 21, 1928 to Jeff Richardson Free and Arry Ann Godfrey Free in Winnsboro, Louisiana. In 1950, while living in Florida, he married Mary Prespandria, and to this union a son was born.

Mitch served honorably in the United States Navy from November,  1951 to November, 1955.  During his time in the Navy Mitch received the National Defense Service Medal for his time served during the Korean War.  Mitch also received the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the Navy Good Conduct Medal.  Mitch served on board the USS Noble and the USS Oak Hill LSD-7 as a Fireman Apprentice after which he was honorably discharged from the Navy at the Naval Base in San Diego, California.

In the early 1960's Mitch relocated from Florida to Lawton, Oklahoma. It was in Lawton where he met and married Edna (Phariss) House in November of 1968.  They were married 41 years before her passing in 2009.  Mitch enjoyed traveling with Edna, fishing, hunting, playing golf, weekly lunch with local longtime friends and was a member of First Baptist Church, Lawton.

Mitch is survived by his son,   Mitchell James Free (Melodye) of Fort Lauderdale, FL;

three grandchildren, Adam Free (Maria) of  California, Tina Free Garr  (Jonathan), and Austin Free of Fort Lauderdale, FL.; two great grandchildren,  Mariella Free and J.J. (Jonathan, Jr.) Garr and two sisters, Rethie Free Mattison and Gloria Free Cusher (John).

He is also survived by four step-children; Judy House Hargrove and Dennis House of Lawton,   Martha House McMullin (Michael) of Marlow,  Anna Beth House Kelly (Gerald) of Elizabeth, CO,  nine step-grandchildren, 22 step-great grandchildren, one step-great-great granddaughter,  and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Edna, brothers, Narlon R. Free, D.J. Free, Newellton Free, Lovie Nathan Free, Calvin H. Free, and sisters,  Johnnie Free Lenard, and Rosie Free, step-son Robert House  and step-son-in-law Luther (Butch) Hargrove.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Francois DuToit and staff plus the staff at the memory care unit at Ten Oaks Place Assisted Living for the excellent care given to Mitch.