William A. Free

William A. (Bill) Free was born July 6, 1929 in Muskogee, OK to Jack and Esther Free, the oldest of four children. The Free family settled in Caldwell in 1938, became active in the Caldwell Church of Christ, and developed a close friendship with the Skelton family. Bill met Mary Lou Skelton when he was nine years old and she was five. After graduating from Caldwell High School in 1947, Bill attended Pepperdine College on full scholarship, where he earned his first degree. Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and became a fighter pilot in 1953. He began preaching regularly while stationed in Bainbridge, GA for officer and pilot training. Bill and Mary Lou had been dating for several months when Bill received orders to go to Germany, asked Mary Lou to join him, and they married a few weeks later. Bill always had been smitten by Mary Lou and this officially began their 63-year journey together. They were stationed in Bitburg, Germany from 1953 to 1956, where daughter, Janna, was born in 1955. Bill returned to Pepperdine in 1956 and earned a MA in Psychology. Bill and Mary Lou moved back to Idaho in 1958 and Bill began flying for the Idaho Air National Guard. He started teaching at Middleton High School that same year, where he taught for his entire 32-year career. Sons Scott and Joel were born in 1959 and 1961, respectively. Bill loved being a fighter pilot. He ultimately achieved rank of Brigadier General and Assistant Adjutant General for the State of Idaho. He retired from the Air Guard in 1989, having served 31 years in various capacities. Bill’s ministry included preaching, teaching, counseling, performing weddings and officiating more than 160 funerals. He was the producer and speaker for a weekly 30-minute Bible-teaching radio program that aired every Sunday morning for 29 years. He served on multiple college boards and broadly within the local community. Above all else, Bill had an unwavering commitment to faith and family. Bill served his Lord faithfully his entire life and his affection for the love of his life, Mary Lou, was a beautiful example of marriage. Bill entered into rest on November 8, 2016, surrounded by a grateful and loving family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; children Janna, Scott (Susie), and Joel (Patti); grandchildren Jennifer (Rich) Lehman, Jamie Dudman, Jordan (Claire), Preston (Tiffany), and Alex, great-grandchildren Taj, Melot, Teo and Rana; sister Jeannie Henman; brother John (Linda), much extended family, and a host of friends. A celebration of Bill’s life will be at 11:00 on Saturday, November 19, at the Caldwell Church of Christ, 4012 S. 10th Avenue, Caldwell, ID 83605. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Love INC of the Treasure Valley, 16446 Franklin Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687. http://www.loveinctv.org/wp/ Service Information