John Willits Freed

John Willits Freed, 78, Carmel, Indiana, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2022, at IU Health North.  John was born on September 6, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Edwin Alfred and Elveda (Brick) Freed.

John attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburg, PA, from the fall of 1962 to the summer of 1964.  He then joined the U.S. Navy from October 1964 and respectfully served until July 1970.  He was on several ships, including the Constellation.   He spent time in Spain, the Philippines, as well as Italy. John worked as a field engineer for the Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit from July 1971 to August 1988. He was also an electronic technician at the Naval Air Warfare Center and Aircraft Division from 1988 to 1997.  He then became employed at Raytheon and worked there until he retired.

John had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell stories of being on the naval ships as well as the time spent abroad.  His display of patriotism was always in full force.

John will be greatly missed by his friends and family.  He is survived by his daughter, Katie Parkins (husband, Gary Guarino); son, Jon Mink (significant other, Lynn Walters); his granddaughters, Lexie Parkins and Libby Parkins; and his grandson, Nick Guarino.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carolyn Freed; and wife, Sharon (Tyler) Freed.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., at Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Home, 325 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, with the service starting at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Loral Tansy officiating.  A meal will be provided immediately following the service. Inurnment will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to a patriotic organization of your choice.

Stillinger Family Funeral Home – Hendryx Chapel has been honored to assist John’s family and friends during their loss of an amazing man.  If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com   Many thanks to Flanner & Buchanan for their hospitality.