[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 132 (Tuesday, August 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E833-E834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF KENNETH LEE FREEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LaMALFA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 20, 2024

  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Kenneth Lee 
Freeman of Marysville,

[[Page E834]]

CA who recently passed away at the age of 77 years old.
  Ken was born on July 29, 1947, to Tom and Emily (McCornack) Freeman 
in Atascadero, CA. He was raised at Walking Y Ranch, in San Ardo the 
family's farm located on 4,000-acres. Due to the isolation of the 
community, Ken received a special Driver's License at the age of 14 
allowing him to attend King City High School which was a 40 mile drive 
each way. While in high school, Ken played baseball, football, 
participated in FFA, and became an Eagle Scout.
  Ken would go on to attend California Polytechnic State University in 
San Luis Obispo, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness 
Management in 1969. Ken would marry his first wife Marilyn Wilson of 32 
years, whom he met while they both attended Cal Poly. Ken would then 
attend the University of Nevada, Reno earning two Master's Degrees. 
During college, Ken worked as an oil field drill hand in San Ardo, at 
the Cal Poly Power Plant, and as a resource researcher in Reno.
  Ken and his family would move to Yuba City in 1977. The young family 
would purchase Feather River Mills, Inc. a western wear, tack, animal 
supply, and feed store. He would serve as the CEO and lead the daily 
operations of the business for the next 26 years where he valued his 
staff, customers, and community. The family would keep the business 
going until 2003.
  Ken also taught Ag Business, Business Management, and Animal Science 
classes at Yuba College for over 20 years and greatly enjoyed his 
students. In 2002, Ken married his second wife Sharron Perkey of 22 
years, adding two stepchildren to the family. Ken loved Sharron deeply 
and was grateful for the many years they had together.
  Ken was known as a community leader in the Yuba-Sutter area, founding 
several causes like the Youth in Agriculture and the Tri-Counties Jr. 
Rodeo. He was also one of the founders of Focus Marysville and the 
Marysville Historic Fair. He was also an active member of the Sutter 
County Masonic Lodge, Sutter County Sheriff's Posse, the Exchange Club, 
Yuba-Sutter Fair Junior Livestock Committee, Yuba-Sutter Chamber of 
Commerce, Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation, and conducted 
fundraisers for Saint Jude Children's Hospital along with many other 
community groups.
  Ken is survived by his daughters, Kim Freeman and Sandy Fowler, 
stepdaughter, April Rogers, sister Kathy Rossi, and 9 grandchildren. 
Ken was truly a leader, and his passing will be felt by all those who 
knew him. Rest in Peace.

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