Matthew Freeman, 23 and a midshipman at the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy in Saddle Rock, N. Y., died Wednesday, May 18, 2005, as a result of an automobile accident. He would have graduated from the academy in June. Matthew was born August 9, 1981 in Denton to Richard Walden and Janice Hickingbottom Freeman. He attended Argyle Elementary School and Denton High School. Matthew graduated from the Marine Military Adademy in Harlingen, TX.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 A. M. Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at the First Christian Church. Officiating will be Minister Rodney McClung, and Dr. Charlotte D. Nabors. Visitation will be held at Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home on Monday, May 23, 2005, from 6 P. M. until 8 P.M.

Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Memorials honoring Matthew may be directed to the City of Denton Public Library, 502 Oakland Ave. Denton, TX 76201.

Matthew Freeman is survived by his parents, Rick and Janice Freeman, of Denton, a sister Allison M. Freeman, of Denton, and a grandfather William J. Hickingbottom, of Denton, and a grandmother Mary P. Freeman, of Florida.

Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.