John Eldredge Free Jr.

John Eldredge Free, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 16, 2025, surrounded by love and peace. He was born on December 15, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to John Free, Sr., and Jessie Marie Rogers Free. His name, “Gift from God,” perfectly captured the life he lived. John was truly a gift to all who knew him, embodying love, kindness, mercy, patience, generosity, and a steadfast devotion to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

At age 15, John committed his life to Christ, inspired by the faithful witness of his dear friend, Don Anthis. He grew up in northeast Houston and graduated from Smiley High School before becoming the first in his extended family to earn a college degree. John received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M Commerce and attended graduate school at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, earning credentials to teach and coach football and basketball.

After several years as an educator and coach, John followed God’s call to ministry. He began as a Minister of Youth, a role perfectly aligned with his heart and gifts, and later earned a Master of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary while serving in full-time ministry. Over more than 45 years, John served faithfully in numerous areas, including youth, education, senior adults, family life, single adults, and the pastorate. He ministered to churches across Texas in Silsbee, Houston, Spring, Navasota, San Angelo, Lamesa, Bryan, Kosse, and Iola.

Among his many ministry passions, John had a special love for senior adults. In his forties, he pursued advanced study at Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Seminary, earning credentials in aging and gerontology to better serve this group. He created numerous ministries that empowered senior adults to use their gifts to serve others, affirming their wisdom, vitality, and value within God’s kingdom.

John was a strong advocate for the theological principles of Evangelism Explosion, an evangelical training program designed to equip believers with the skills and confidence to share the message of salvation conversationally. He was passionate about sharing that faith in Christ guarantees eternal life with our Savior and King. John introduced and expanded this program at several churches where he served. His core beliefs centered around simple conversational witnessing and the discipleship of new believers.

John served as a Chaplain for Bryan Police Department during his retirement years and loved the men and women who serve our community, keeping order and peace.

When John began to experience the early stages of dementia, he met the challenge with faith and acceptance. He sought medical help early and continued to bless others with his compassion and prayer, even after moving into Memory Care. For nearly two years, he was lovingly cared for at The Waterford in College Station, where his caregivers truly became the hands and feet of Jesus.

John’s devotion to his family was unwavering and Christlike. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Cheryl Gay Lawrence Free of Bryan; daughter, Stephanie Free-Brown, and her husband, Todd Brown, of Lubbock; son, Noble Lawrence Free of McKinney; and grandsons, John Davis Free and William Bennett Free, both of McKinney. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Free, and Jennifer, his partner, of Humble; sister-in-law, Julie Lawrence Welch, and her husband, Bobby, of Crockett; brothers-in-law, Noble (“Buzzy”) S. Lawrence, and wife, Eleanor, and Johnny Lawrence, and wife, Susan, all of Crockett.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Noble S. and Ruth Martha Kreinhop Lawrence; his brother-in-law, Randall Cary Lawrence; and his sister-in-law, Nancy Luce Lawrence. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by his ministry and love.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Bluebonnet Hospice, especially nurse Alexa Choate, Raven & Jenny, for their compassionate care, and to the devoted staff of The Waterford, including Dianne Davis, Dawn Fennell, Trisha Jones, Shaina Turner, Donna, Venita, Celeste, Justin, Pam, Michaela, and Activities Director, Robbin Sleeper, whose kindnesses were a tremendous blessing.

A viewing and visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Bryan at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, followed by the funeral service officiated by First Baptist Senior Pastor, Dr. Jim Heiligman, New Release Fellowship, Pastor Clinton Everett, and dear family friend, Dr. Ben Welch. A private family burial will take place afterward at Bryan City Cemetery.

John’s life was defined by faith, service, and love. Even in his final years, he continued to reflect God’s grace in every moment—a true gift from God to all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to First Baptist Bryan Building Fund, or Children’s Hope Residential Services of Lubbock, TX.