Sidney Thurston Freeborn Jr.

Dateline: Orange Grove, Texas Sidney Thurston Freeborn, Jr., “Sandy,” passed away at home on his ranch Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born December 17, 1952, in Kingsville, Texas. He was the second of five children. He was preceded in death by his father, Sidney Thurston Freeborn, Sr., and his mother, Jean Harris Freeborn. He is survived by his wife, Leda Virginia Freeborn; four sons, Gabriel Paul (Nicole), Wesley Caleb (Teri), Morgan Andrew (Magnolia), and Sidney Thurston Freeborn, III; ten grandchildren, Kade Thurston, Kole Tristen, Kash Thadler, and Krew Trestyn Freeborn, Kaylee Belle, Lacey Jean, and Landon Jase Freeborn, Michié Nikole, Hudson Andrew, and Ryan Morgan Freeborn; four sisters, Sharon Freeborn Skrobarcek (Dwain), Kathryn Freeborn Strause (Jimmy), Sylvia Lynn Freeborn, and M Elisabeth Freeborn (Kevin Fetterman); and numerous nieces and nephews. Fourth generation on the historic Shaeffer Ranch and a native son of Texas, Sandy embraced and embodied his heritage. He grew up in the saddle and was rounding up cattle at six years old. He was a highly skilled cowboy and horseman. Sandy attended elementary and junior high school in Orange Grove, Texas, and was active in Little League Baseball and Swim Team Competitions from an early age. He graduated from high school in George West, Texas, in 1971. He lettered in sports all four years, participated in FFA, Student Council, and One Act Play, and worked part time at the Live Oak County Auction Barn. He became an accomplished slalom water skier, skiing up to thirty miles nonstop. He enjoyed deep sea fishing and diving. Sandy was one of thirty young men, out of three hundred applicants worldwide, to be accepted into the rigorous Ranch Management Program at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, graduating with Honors. Following completion of the program, Sandy returned to the ranch, where he devoted his life to various agricultural pursuits across Texas and New Mexico. He became fluent in Spanish, and acquired property in Costa Rica in addition to his holdings in the United States. Sandy passed his passion for sports down through enthusiastic support of his children’s and grandchildren’s participation in athletics. If there was a ball at large on a field somewhere in the Universe, there was likely at least one Freeborn chasing it, and Sandy was in the stands cheering them on. He never missed a track meet or a County Fair, especially when one of his children or grandchildren had a baton in hand or livestock in the arena. Sandy was a shrewd entrepreneur and careful with his funds, but he was generous with his help. He would show up with his stock trailer to help his cousins clean out their late father’s house, or with his tractor to unload his sister’s hay delivery. Many people remember times when Sandy was the one to appear without fanfare to help where help was needed. Active in the Republican Party, he held deep seated conservative views and was happy to share them whenever, wherever, with whomever. He would not borrow trouble, but one knew where he unflinchingly stood. He enjoyed socializing with people and was an active member of the “Round Table” at the George West Dairy Queen. He loved his children and grandchildren. He will be missed. A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 9AM to 10AM with a funeral service to begin at 10AM at the Barn at Katzfy Ranch in George West, Texas. A private family burial will be held at a later time. Services entrusted to Roberson Funeral Home Alice, Texas.

Sidney Thurston Freeborn Jr.

December 17, 1952 - April 9, 2026