Charles “Freeman” Stamper

July 7, 1945 - October 22, 2023

Charles “Freeman” Stamper was born on July 7, 1945 in Columbia, LA. He was the son of Andrew Stamper and Lena Belle Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Leeman and sister Merlene. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from NLSC(ULM) in Secretarial Science/Office Administration in 1968; top honor graduate in the School of Business. Freeman entered the Army, achieved the Rank of E-5 and served his duty in the Pentagon, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He served as an executive secretary to prestigious law firms in DC and CA and managed wealth for personal families.

Mr. Stamper was a philanthropist and received numerous awards for his interest and care of others, especially ULM Students, Faculty and Staff. Included in those awards are the Kitty Degree Bell Tower Honor Roll, the George T. Walker Society, The Warhawk Ambassador Award and the Hall of Distinction Award. He is currently nominated to receive the George T. Walker Life Time Achievement Award, which has not been given since 2015. With his gifts, the University will benefit from his generosity for many years to come. Freeman could often be seen on campus attending athletic events, VAPA concerts and performances, ULM Foundation and just about every alumni association event. His presence was ubiquitous; he will be greatly missed.

Freeman is survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara; nephews, Michael and Tommy; niece, Linda; many cousins; friends, Korbin and Allen. Also, life-time friends Thomas Tripp and Barry Delcambre, who have been instrumental in his end-of-life processes, and the life and death Gatekeepers of his remains, Frank and Janet Grabowski of Port Carbon, PA. His Pet Peeve was people who would not return their shopping carts to the designated receptacle! He always believed in paying it forward and there is no such thing as “That’s how we have always done it, so think out of the box.” Special thanks to the many friends in the ULM circle and outside, who loved him dearly.

Online condolences may be sent to www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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Although we only knew you for a short time, you will be sorely missed.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Charles Stamper . Plant a Tree

You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Freeman. He was such a wonderful friend to the Arts, ULM, and KEDM Public Radio. From our first chance encounter on the way to Wine Over Water, to getting to know him better after his generous donation of Broadway CD's to KEDM, to the honor of accepting his invitation to a group of Symphony supporters to his home for drinks, to his wonderful and impactful way of seeing the world, we truly enjoyed his time in Monroe and are better for knowing him.

My Grandmother, Grace Brandin, worked at the Columbia, Library, where Freeman spent many days and hours helping her. In his Columbia high school years, he and a few others - Jorenda Reynolds Stone and Maurice Cottingham - were given a pass to go to the Library instead of physical education class with Coach Turner. After graduating Northeast College and moving away, he would always visit my Grandmother when he came home for holidays or homecoming. She loved to hear his stories about the work he was doing. He even made a memorial in her name, for a magazine subscription he felt the Library needed. A great guy.

I am so sorry to learn of Freeman's passing, He was a kind and generous individual. We often shared memories of pageants, I will miss his friendship and evaluation of the current pageant world, may he rest in peace.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

To Freeman with gratitude for your life well lived!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Charles Stamper . Plant a Tree

Freeman, yours was a life well lived. From childhood days, whether at your house or mine, or at school as kids in the classroom or teenage band members, whether at your church or mine, we played and sang the joys of music. After a long separation we reconnected, following your days in the army and in San Francisco, at our 50th reunion of Columbia High School in 2013 – which you co-sponsored and gave so much heart to. Thank you, my friend. That was quite a feat, returning to and loving a town and social setting where you had once felt so uncomfortable. Thank you for turning that corner in life and showing others your big heart. You were and will long remain a beacon of generosity! Your friend, Sherman, Class of '63

My condolences to everyone experiencing this loss. Mr. Stamper was a kind soul, a beacon of hope in the ULM community. I could never thank him enough for the amount of kind words, motivation, and smiles he gave me and my fellow ULM VAPA students and colleagues. His memory will live on through the lives he touched with his kindness, strength, and determination.

My condolences to his friends and family. Mr. Freeman was always a joy to see at the tailgates and his many visits at the Laird Weems Center. I met him first at an art crawl introduced to me by Jay Curtis at KEDM & many encounters on campus thereafter and a few local art spaces. He was one alum that you could count on to give you a smile, genuine hugs, & a wave.

One of the nicest and most respectful individuals I've been able to meet. Kind and giving heart; wanted nothing but the best for ULM and every person associated with the university. Its a pleasure to have known him.

To my friend who I graduated with in 1963. Freeman and I recruited some ladies from our graduating class to help do our 50/63 class reunion. It was a super success, so Freeman was overwhelmed with joy to be back at the old Columbia High School Gymnasium along with the rest of us. A job well done by Freeman’s generous effort and his time and hard work. Rest in peace .

Fair winds and following seas, dear Freeman. You will be greatly missed by many folks whose lives were made better by your many kindnesses.

A life well lived! His legacy will live on throughout ULM and the many students he helped. It was my pleasure to call him friend and be able to reunite with him after many years.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.