Listen below to "Last Battleship: The History, Heroes, and Legacy of the USS Missouri”
STM1c Theodore A. Freeman
November 19, 1925 — July 7, 2020
Born on November 19, 1925, in Sanford, Florida, Bishop Theodore Anthony Freeman Sr. lived a life defined by service, dedication, and perseverance. Raised by his Aunt Maidie, Theodore left school after the eighth grade to help support his family.
Like many young Americans, the attack on Pearl Harbor stirred in him a desire to serve his country. At 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and began active duty on January 28, 1944. Assigned to the USS Missouri as a Steward’s Mate First Class—the highest rank available to Black sailors at the time—he served with pride and witnessed history firsthand when Japan formally surrendered aboard the “Mighty Mo” in 1945.
After his honorable discharge in 1946, Theodore married Martha Shelton of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and together they raised four children. A devoted provider, he worked for over 25 years at both the University of Illinois and Chanute Air Force Base before retiring from both roles. In 2005, he was ordained as Bishop at Twin City Apostolic Church, continuing a lifelong commitment to ministry.
Bishop Freeman was admired for his warmth, determination, and generosity of spirit. His life’s journey leaves a lasting legacy of resilience, hard work, and love that continues through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.