Paul Bunyan Freeman, 77, of Lodi, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2025. Born on February 14, 1948, in Buckhannon, West Virginia, Paul was the son of the late Homer Blain and Charlotte Jean Freeman.

Paul was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War as a traffic analyst, earning numerous medals and commendations. After his service, he built a long and steady career as a forklift mechanic with Acme, known for his skill, reliability, and willingness to help anyone who needed a hand. He married the love of his life, Gail, with whom he shared many decades of partnership, laughter, and devotion until her passing in 2023. He was an amazing Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, and Friend, and he will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his children,  Jody (Kirk) Kaufman, David Kinzel, Bruce (Michelle) Kinzel, and Lisa (Rick) Petek; grandchildren; Jamie, Janell (Logan, deceased), Ryan (Lauren), Kendall (Ricky), Becca (Justin), Michael (Natalie), Kara, Jordan (Luke), Nick (Katie), Elizabeth (Chris), Danielle (Gerrit) and Olivia (Jared); many great-grandchildren; brother, Jimmie (Tamara); nephew, JP (Rachelle); nieces, Tracey (Dionne), Katie (Larry), Dianna Marie (Bill), Charlotte (Mark), and Mijee (Jason); and dear friends Bill, Ed, and JW. In addition to his parents and his wife, Paul was preceded in death by siblings Diann, Roxanna, and Kenny.

Paul was a man who appreciated animals, nature, and the simple, honest pleasures of life. He enjoyed hunting, working on cars, and offering help before anyone even thought to ask. He was giving—often to a fault—and will be remembered as a devoted husband, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Paul and Gail will be laid to rest at 12:45 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Those who knew Paul will remember his warmth, his steady presence, and the way he showed love through quiet acts of kindness. His legacy lives on in the many people whose lives he touched with patience, humor, and generosity.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family on Paul's tribute page at www.waitefuneralhome.com.