Lester L. Freeland

Lester L. Freeland, age 74, of Caldwell, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was born August 21, 1952, in Marietta, son of the late John Joseph and Anna Irene Clasey Freeland. Lester was a graduate of Warren High School and was a veteran of the United States Army, the Ohio National Guard and the United States Army Reserve. He retired in 2008 from the U.S. Department of Forestry’s tree nursery in Reno, Ohio, after serving for over 40 years. Lester was a member of the First Church of Christ in Caldwell. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family, especially being surrounded by his grandchildren. He was a good man who would do anything for anyone.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one son, Joey Glidden; a grandson, Braxton D. Glidden; two sisters, Arletta Freeland and Barbara Foreman; two brothers, Russell Freeland and Ronnie Freeland; two infant sisters; and an infant brother.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Barbara D. Wittenbrook Freeland, whom he married in 2004; his children, Michael B. Freeland of the home, John R. (Laura) Glidden of Marietta, Robert Thor Glidden and Tim L. (Dusty) Glidden, all of Caldwell, and Herbie D. Glidden (Tiffany Zelenski) of Coal Ridge; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his siblings, Bobby Freeland and Keith (Julia) Freeland, all of Marietta; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call Friday, October 23, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will be observed Saturday, October 24 at 11 a.m. with Brent DeWees officiating. A veteran’s graveside service will follow at Barry’s Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to McVay-Perkins Funeral Home to assist the family with final expenses on Lester’s memorial page at www.mcvay-perkins.com, where an online guestbook may also be signed.