Dennis Freeman; Taft Electric Project Manager

Dennis Freeman, a youth sports supporter and career project manager for Taft Electric, died at home in Ventura on Tuesday following a brief illness. He was 61.

Freeman was born in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 20, 1935. He moved to Ventura County 50 years ago.

After graduating from Oxnard High School in 1951 and Ventura College in 1953, Freeman was sent to Korea, where he served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his return, he worked for Taft Electric as a project manager for almost 30 years.

Family members described him as a man who loved his work and his family.

“He was a real great person,” said his wife, Donna. “He’s one of those who you ask, ‘Why do the good die young?’ ”

Freeman also put a lot of time into supporting youth sports. All three of his sons played football, and he was instrumental in getting lights installed at the Camarillo High School stadium. He also helped found a youth football program known as the Camarillo Roadrunners more than 30 years ago. The program continues today.

Freeman became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers in 1953, and served as an officer of Local 952. For his expertise, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors appointed him to the Ventura County Electrical Board of Appeals.

In addition to his wife, Freeman is survived by son Mark and daughter-in-law Janis of Stockton; son Steve and daughter-in-law Amanda of Danville; son Michael of Oxnard; stepson and daughter-in-law Greg and Sara Harrison of Indonesia; stepson and daughter-in-law Doug and Michelle Harrison of Singapore; and stepson and daughter-in-law David and Becky Harrison of San Jose. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren.

Contributions can be made to Arthritis Foundation Research, 961 E. Main St., Ventura, or the American Lung Assn. Research, 2073 N. Oxnard Blvd., Suite 400, Oxnard.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura. Dr. Benedict Yaspelkis of Grace Lutheran Church of Ventura will officiate.