Leslie D. “Les” Freed, 93, of rural Loda passed away at 8:49 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026 at his home.

A Celebration of Life for Les will be held from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2026 at The Cadillac Event Center, 108 W. State St., Paxton. Military Honors will be accorded by Loda American Legion Post 503. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Les was born January 12, 1933 in Fairbury the son of Lester George and Minnie (Wessels) Freed. He married Juanita Joan Prahl May 10, 1953. She preceded him in death August 18, 1956. He married Patricia Ann Sollars August 15, 1964 at the United Methodist Church in Wellington, Illinois. She survives.

Along with his wife, Patricia, he is survived by four sons, Steven Freed, Greg (Cindy) Freed of Columbus, Ohio, Douglas (Becky) Freed of Paxton, Michael (Susan) Freed of Roberts; a daughter, Suzanne Freed of Loda; 10 grandchildren, Derek (Christina) Kouzmanoff, Jamie (Rob) Sager, Andre Freed, Deanna (Marcus) Floyd, Jacob Freed, Jeffrey Freed, Kelsey (Aaron) Vanagaitis, Logan Freed, Madison Freed, Grayson Freed; eight great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife; infant son, Raymond; sister and brother-in-law, Joy (Wayne) Hanson; and niece, Barbara Hanson-Till.

Les graduated from Loda High School in 1950. He proudly served the United States Army from 1952-1954 achieving the rank of Corporal. He was a radio operator and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky and at Coleman Barracks Mannheim, Germany. He began farming at the age of 17 and didn’t retire until he was 80 years old. He also worked at the Assembly Hall as an usher and security for 15 years.

Les was a member of the Loda United Methodist Church, Loda American Legion Post 503 and the Loda Sportsman Club. He served on the Loda School Board and the Loda Township Board as a trustee.

Les enjoyed reading books, traveling out West for vacations, mowing the yard and taking care of his barn cats. Most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Loda American Legion Post 503. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.