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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former Louisiana Lt. Gov. Robert "Bobby" Freeman, who also served in the state House and as a city judge, died Monday of a ruptured aneurysm. He was 82.
Freeman's friend and former press secretary Lester Duhe confirmed Freeman's death.
Freeman, a Democrat from Plaquemine, served as the state's second in command from 1980 to 1988 under former Govs. Edwin Edwards and David Treen. Before that, he was elected to the state House from 1968 to 1980 and served as a city judge in Plaquemine from 1990 to 1996.
"He was small in stature, but a giant lived in that man," Edwards said. "In all the years we worked together, he never had a cross word. He was just as pleasant as he could possibly be. He shared my concerns for the poor and underprivileged. He was just my kind of guy, and we've been the best of friends personally and politically."
Duhe described Freeman as a rare breed, having served in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government.
"Bobby was a true American success story," Duhe said of his friend for more than 30 years. "He went through LSU on a boxing scholarship, went on to work in the chemical industry but said he wanted more."
After earning a law degree from Loyola New Orleans, Duhe said, Freeman was elected to three terms in the state House, elected lieutenant governor and ran for Congress but came up a bit short. He also ran for city court judge in Plaquemine, a position he won.
Gov. John Bel Edwards, in a statement Monday, described Freeman as a dynamic public servant.
"Bobby Freeman's passion for serving the people of Louisiana and his talent were on display in everything he did throughout his life. While he may no longer be with us, the State of Louisiana is a better place because of Lt. Governor Freeman's work, and his legacy will live on for generations," Edwards said.
Duhe said Freeman always had the state's best interest at heart and set precedent as lieutenant governor, becoming the first to have overview of the state Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
"Tourism in Louisiana never had a more tireless champion," Duhe recalled. "He did it with a passion. We went all over the state. There wasn't a fiddlin' contest or crackling-cooking contest that we missed. He was a hell of a champion for tourism, looking at it as a wonderful economic development tool for the state."
Stephen Handwerk, executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, said the party was saddened to hear of Freeman's passing.
"He was a devoted public servant, a passionate advocate for the people of Louisiana and a man of principle. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends on this sad occasion," Handwerk said.
Freeman is survived by his wife, Marianne, and two children, Robert Freeman Jr. and Lisa Freeman Guidry, both of whom are attorneys, Duhe said.
Wilbert Funeral Home in Plaquemine is in charge of services. Arrangements are incomplete.
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