Age 94, Luray, Va.
Dixon Blanchard Freeland, devoted husband, loving father and mentor to many, passed away at the age of 94 with his family by his side. He will forever be remembered.
Mr. Freeland was born in San Francisco, California in 1928. His mother was a music teacher at Mills College and his father was a National Park Ranger in the fledgling days of the newly created National Park Service. His early years were spent in national parks, from Wind Cave, South Dakota and St. Augustine, Florida to Shenandoah National Park where he moved to in 1940.
This was where his father, Edward Dixon Freeland became superintendent and this was where Dixon fell in love with Page County. This is also where he developed the idea that when grown, he would also work for the NPS. During the war, he saw artifacts moved from the Smithsonian to the park for safe keeping, including Old Glory and what was referred to as the “first automobile.”
After his first year of college at Colorado A&M, he enlisted in the Navy and served during WWII as a Navy Medic. After his discharge from the armed forces, he continued his studies and graduated with a B.S. in Forestry. Following several seasonal ranger positions at Yosemite NP in California, he became a permanent park ranger.
In 1951 he married the love of his life and bride of 71 years, Ann Neasham Freeland, who survives. Mrs. Freeland’s family had ties to the National Park Service as well, and the two were married in Yosemite National Park where they met. This started their adventure traveling across the states in order to serve in numerous national park sites. Daughter Alice Freeland, daughter Serra Freeland Sampsell, and son Dixon Freeland and were all born in national parks.
Dixon gave thousands of hours of his life volunteering for numerous organizations and supported many causes. He became the first Youth Conservation Corps. State Representative for the national parks in Virginia in 1970 because of his love of children and belief that if children are taught about conservation, they become conservationists for life. He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, the Tree Board of Luray, the Greenway in Luray, Shenandoah Natural History Association, and Page One of Luray, to name just a few.
Mr. Freeland’s philosophies about life included the love of family, the love of community and country and the firm belief that nothing is as important as peace in the world and true kindness towards one’s fellow human beings. Having a sense of humor was his cornerstone, and this helped to guide him on a daily basis. Although quiet about his political beliefs, he maintained that all men and women deserve food to eat, a roof over their heads and access to medicine.
Mr. Freeland is survived by his three children; his daughter-in-law Chris Freeland; his son-in-law Robert Sampsell; grandchildren David Berry, Annie Sampsell and Jennie Sampsell; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Cards and well wishes may be sent to Ann Freeland, 133 South Court St. Luray, Va.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
American Legion Post #22 has lost a very respected and loved Legionnaire member. Dixon was very active in his younger years and made several important contributions to our Post. The entire membership of Post #22 mourns this huge loss and send our prayers and sympathies to his dear wife, Ann, his son, Dixon, Jr. and his wife Chris, and to all of the many members of the Freeland family.