Maurice Freund Obituary

Maurice Haye Freund

Duncan

It's with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Maurice Haye Freund. He passed away on April 11, 2026, at his home in Duncan, South Carolina, surrounded by his family. Maurice, affectionately known as Mo was born in Ft. Dodge, Iowa, on May 2, 1941. After graduating high school he enlisted in the Marine Corps following in his father's footsteps who served in the Pacific during World War II. He reported to Marine Recruit Depot San Diego on June 11, 1959. He was an expert rifleman and started his career in the infantry before being selected to a Guard Company. While stationed at Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, DC, he met the person with whom he would spend the next sixty-three years of his life, Judith Buss from Wausau, Wisconsin. Together they raised three children moving from coast to coast. While in the Marine Corps, Maurice served two tours in Vietnam. He decided to switch his focus in the Marine Corps from guard duty to electronics where he used his natural tinkering skills to his advantage. He became a lead instructor and helped develop many of the instruction manuals for the new radar systems the Marine Corps was deploying all over the world. While training a reserve unit in Atlanta he was in charge of the Marines Corps Toys for Tots program. He would repair broken toys and help distribute new and used toys throughout the Atlanta area. The ability to bring a smile to a child's face was very rewarding for him. It continued with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. After sixteen years in the Marine Corps Master Sargent Freund was selected to become an officer. He traded his stripes for 2nd Lieutenant bars. After a few more moves from Camp Lejeune to Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station and promotion to Captain, retirement was the next step. He left active duty on August 30, 1981. Maurice continue on inactive reserve for another eight years. Finally on February 16, 1989, Captain Maurice Freund retired after thirty years of military service.

Maurice moved his family to El Paso, Texas, in August, 1981. After a second career in the civilian sector and a move to Albuquerque, New Mexico, he finally decided to retire for good. He moved to Duncan, South Carolina, to be close to his young grandsons. Maurice is survived by his wife Judith, his sons Scott (Cheryl) and Roger (Julie), and his daughter Tonya (Charlie). He was an inspiration to five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was an exceptional Marine, exceptional father, husband and grandfather but moreover, an exceptional human being.

Arrangements to be announced.