Local Man who was Deacon, Elder in Church, Veteran, Master Mason, Gerald W. “Bill” Freeze, Passes at 96

Gerald W. “Bill” Freeze, 96, of Grafton, WV (Parkview Community), passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Grafton City Hospital.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Freeze was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Kathleen C. “Peggy” Freeze, on April 2, 2015, and one granddaughter, Kassandra “Kassy” Freeze.

Mr. Freeze is survived by two sons: Karl W. Freeze and wife Tammy Jean, and Jeffery M. Freeze and wife Carol, all of Grafton; two grandchildren, Lucas J. Freeze of Fairmont and Jacob E. Freeze of Alburn, AL; his good friends: Connie Rosier, Dave Bolyard and Dave Sevier, all of Grafton; as well as several cousins.

Bill was a graduate of Grafton High School, Class of 1946, attended Fairmont State College and served his country honorably in the United States Army.

He worked 44 years for the B&O Railroad as a Caller and also worked part-time for the United States Postal Service in Grafton as a mail carrier. He was a longtime member of the First Christian Church in Grafton, where he served on the Board of Trustees, as church Deacon and Elder.

Mr. Freeze was a member of Grafton Lodge No 15 A.F. & A.M., having recently received his 75-year membership pin, a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Master Mason, Valley of Clarksburg, Copestone Chapter No 12, Royal Arch Masons, and DeMolay Commandry No 11, Knights Templar.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and gardening. He was also a beekeeper and famous for his pies, especially strawberry rhubarb and apple. Over the years Bill also enjoyed his many trips to Canada with his wife Peggy and family.

Family and friends will be received at the Donald G. Ford Funeral Home, 950 George Washington Hwy, Grafton, WV, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 4 until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Hanlin presiding. Visitation will begin that morning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodsdale Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory can be made to First Christian Church, 109 McGraw Ave Grafton, WV 26354.

The Donald G. Ford Funeral Home is honored to serve the Freeze family during their time of need. Online condolences, www.donaldgfordfuneralhome.com.

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