Otis Wayne Freeman, 68, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away tragically on July 25, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky. Born on April 2, 1957, in Richmond, Kentucky, Otis was a beloved husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and faithful follower of Christ whose life was rooted in love, hard work, and service to others.
Otis is survived by his loving wife, Terri Freeman; his children, Jason (Casey) Freeman of Irvine, KY, and Lori (Mike) Tobin of Cynthiana, KY; and his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Freeman (Raiven Bolin), Haley Fauste (Strand Barricklow), Logan Freeman, Cade Tobin, and Brinlee Tobin. He was also blessed to welcome his first great-grandchild, Walker Cole Freeman. He is also survived by his siblings, Thurston (Barbara) Freeman of Nicholasville, KY; Patricia Tipton of Irvine, KY; Linda (Lee) Davidson of Barbourville, KY; and Barbara (Donnie) Barnes of Irvine, KY.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Helen Walters Freeman.
Otis was the rock of his family — a man who lived with purpose and gave without hesitation. A lifelong farmer and cattle rancher, he was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and dedication to the land and animals he loved. He and his wife Terri built a successful quarter horse program from the ground up, raising and breeding horses that reflected the values they poured into every part of their lives.
Otis was also a proud athlete, having played football, basketball, and baseball at Estill County High School. His love of sports carried into his adult life, whether on the softball field or cheering for his grandchildren in the arena. He remained deeply connected to his roots, his teammates, and his community.
A devoted member of Corinth Christian Church, Otis’s faith in the Lord was unwavering. He was a man who not only believed in Christ but lived his life in His image — selfless, joyful, and strong.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, July 30, 1 PM at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Linville Dunaway officiating. Burial will be at the Fielder Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5 to 9 PM.
To honor his life, pallbearers will be: Robert “Beatle” Lisle, Rick Tuttle, Ricky Sparks, Ezra Freeman, Robert Arnold, Raymond Tipton, Kevin Williams, and Lonnie Clem.
Honorary pallbearers include:
Aubrey Miller, Raymond Reynolds, Tom Cox, Scottie Routin, Jimmy Bryant, Brad Goolman, Derek Hixon, John Reed Foster, his 1969–1970 Hargett Panthers teammates, 1971–1975 ECHS Football, Baseball, and Basketball teammates, softball teammates, his Barrel Racing family, John Charles Park, DVM, Gary Sparks, and Bluegrass Stockyards family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Corinth Christian Church in Otis’s memory.
Otis Wayne Freeman left a legacy of love, faith, and strength that will live on in every life he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.⸻
