Darlene June Freeman

Darlene June Freeman, 87, passed away on February 27, 2026, at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Darlene was born on June 20, 1938, in Edwards County to Philip Crackel & Carro Woods Crackel.  She wed Ellis Freeman on August 23, 1956, and they shared 51 anniversaries before his passing in 2007.

Darlene’s Edwards County roots ran deep. She carried forward her family’s tradition of hard work on the family farm and also retired from Champion Laboratories after more than 30 years of dedicated service. As a longtime Avon representative, Darlene enjoyed connecting with her friends and neighbors.  Darlene was of the Methodist faith and was a member of the Simpson United Methodist Church and later the Browns United Methodist Church. Her faith gave her the quiet assurance that the Lord had prepared a special place for her. 

Darlene will be dearly missed by two sons, Alan (Julie) Freeman of Albion, Illinois, and David (Dianna) Freeman of Greenville, Illinois; one daughter, Audrey (Mark) Hunt of Indianapolis, Indiana; 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sweet furry companion, Max.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother, Nile Eugene “Gene” Crackel.

Funeral services for Darlene Freeman will be held at 1:00 p.m. on March 6, 2026, at Nale’s Funeral Home in Albion, Illinois, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until service time.   Burial will follow in Enterprise Cemetery located in the Pinch community east of Albion. 

Nale’s Funeral Home is honored to serve and support the Freeman family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.nalesfuneralhomes.com

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