Clarence "Gaylen" Freeman

Clarence Gaylen Freeman was born on March 27, 1941 in Craig, Nebraska. He enjoyed his early childhood in Craig, surrounded by relatives and friends. The small midwestern town instilled in him a love for the outdoors as well as a good, midwestern work ethic. When he was 7 years old, his parents moved to Montana for reasons of his mother’s health.

After graduating from the University of Montana, Gaylen moved to Southern California to begin his career. He earned his Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Whittier College. His first teaching position was teaching math to middle school students. He enjoyed challenging their intellectual development and making a positive impact on young people. In 1969, at the age of 28, he moved to Bridgeport, CA where he became the youngest superintendent in the State of California. During that time, he also taught classes, served as principal, and coached wrestling, football and basketball. He is quoted in one article upon his retirement as saying, “And on a bad day, I drove the school bus too.”

From there he served in many district leadership roles, including Superintendent and Asst Superintendent roles of some of the largest districts in California. He built many schools, wrote successful legislation, developed curriculum. In one district he successfully had the largest bond issue ever passed by the public. He was a master negotiator. He was known by his staff as being “firm but fair”.

In 1965 he married Judi Johnston. They had three kids together. Although they divorced in 1990, they remained friends for the sake of their children and family.

Gaylen was active in many churches over the years. He enjoyed volunteering. He helped start a United Methodist church in Central California in the early 80’s. For many recent years he could faithfully be found at Calvary Chapel Living Hope in West Des Moines. He was active in greeting people and helping them feel at home.

As much as he had a successful working career, family was always most important to him. He was active in his kids’ many activities growing up. From leading scout troops, coaching teams, volunteering, or simply being at games and a solid presence in their lives. They always had his ear, and his heart. There are many fond memories of church on Sundays with brunch after, family dinners, games, and movies. Their favorite vacation spot was Glacier National Park in Montana. In their many travels, they visited 49 states. In recent years Gaylen visited his 50th state, Alaska, with his wife, Shari.

In 2005 Gaylen married Shari West after meeting at community activities in Carlsbad, CA. They soon retired and lived there until 2019 where they served in community organizations together, including North Coast Calvary Chapel, spent time with family, and enjoyed much travel. They spent entire summers in Iowa, interjecting numerous trips around the country in their fifth wheel, and spent some time on cruises or overseas.

Gaylen’s attendance at family events continued for his nine grandkids through several states during retirement. Some were recently marveling at how he could be at so many games, concerts, events, and activities. He was always up for lunch and a movie, and always insisted on buying. He loved his family.

Gaylen is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence “Slim”, and Evalene Freeman. His brother, John (Jan), another brother who died at birth, and his nephew, Johnny. He has two grandkids he is now getting to spend time with in heaven, including Joy Rebecca. And his first great grandchild, Baby Henderson.

Gaylen is survived by his wife, Shari; his kids, Steve (Becky), Debbie (D.A.), and Rick; his grandkids, Josh (Christa), Hannah (Gus), Jesse (Shelby), Micah (Erin), Ashley, Daniel, Nate, Gavin, and Shekynah (Jordan); and his great grandson, Jude Clarence. In addition, he has many cousins and extended family members who he always enjoyed seeing.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the funeral service on Thursday, October 5 at 11:00 a.m.

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