Howard F. Frees, 88, passed away Aug. 21, 2016, at Wesley Towers, Hutchinson. He was born March 1, 1928, to Albert and Tena (Breford) Frees, at the family farm house in rural Barton County.

Howard graduated from Holyrood High School in 1946. He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, during the Korean War, as a military police in Berlin, Germany. Howard was a farmer and stockman in Barton and Ellsworth counties. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

On Aug. 20, 1950, he married Lawanda Durr at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Holyrood. They shared 66 years of marriage. She survives. Other survivors include: sons, Lyle Frees and wife Joyce of Ellsworth, Loren Frees and wife Tina of Hutchinson; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Larry; and brother, Lynn.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th, Hutchinson, with Pastors Chad Trunkhill and Henry Blickhahn officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Private family burial will take place at St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery, Holyrood. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends after the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.