02/11/2020
We say farewell to our friend and leader, Dr. K. Gerone Free. This short post can never convey the impact he had on so many. I could share how he provided exceptional leadership as Board President to One Church, One Child of Oklahoma for more than 15 years, as well President of the National One Church One Child under the Founder, Father George Clement. However, that would not give me the time nor space to write about the things that mattered to us. John Kennedy said to Jackie Kennedy while walking through the crowd in Dallas on that terrible day in history, “look them in their eyes for it is the people that matter.” That statement comes to mind when I think of Pastor/President Free. It was the people that matter when it came to his role as Board President of OCOC. He worked with volunteers in the kitchen at support group meetings, he volunteered in the concession stands at OU football (even though he had session tickets), he came to all of the adoption awareness events (especially the ones he knew he would be able to take pictures with the OU or Thunder Cheerleaders) he always took the time to hangout with the kids in foster and adoption support meetings, he never complained when we asked after attending a National board meeting in Ohio if he could drive us to Akron to the football hall of fame (although I think he enjoyed it more than we did), he did Dad & Donuts for many kids who didn’t have dads and he NEVER failed to show up to sign our checks (even if it happened to be on the Friday that he had his weekly dates with Ms. Velva). I personally will miss seeing that OU cap peeping in my office (lately with a mask) and our 5 minute hello turning into a 2 hour conversation. I could type for days sharing my experiences with the giant of a man that carried out the mandate of God our Father (James1:27) the vision of Father George Clement (Founder of One Church One Child) and the assignment of my dad and Mrs. Mary L. Breshers. There is a empty seat in our presence but not in our hearts. May God’s comfort continue be with Mrs. Velva and her family and the entire church and community family of the Reverend Dr. Kary Gerone Free.
