Dustin Alexander Freeman

Dustin Alexander Freeman, 48, of Kingsburg, California, was called home early Tuesday morning, March 31st, surrounded by his loving family. Dustin was born on November 14, 1977, in Fresno, California, to Marvin Mitchel Freeman and Sandra Faye Freeman (Nelms). He was the youngest of their three children. He is survived by his devoted wife, Angela, and their four amazing children, along with their significant others: Tyler (Lauren), Kaitlyn (Brandon), Joslyn (VJ), and Trevor (Laryssa); his loving parents, Mitchel and Sandra; his sister, Tamara and her husband Daniel; his brother, Brandon and his wife Adela; numerous nieces and nephews; cousins; aunts and uncles; in-laws; and many extended family members and friends who loved him deeply. He was also a cherished brother to Angela's four brothers, whom he loved as his own. Dustin grew up in Selma, California, where he built lifelong friendships not only in his hometown but throughout the surrounding communities. He graduated from Selma High School in 1995 and began working at a young age, often proudly telling his children about his first job delivering newspapers at just 10 years old. His strong work ethic was something he carried with him throughout his entire life. While still in high school, Dustin began his career in the restaurant industry at Arthur's Restaurant in Selma. He went on to spend the next decade at Cattlemen's Restaurant, where he developed a deep understanding of restaurant operations and leadership and a love for the best steaks around. He continued his career managing at Cool Hand Luke's and co-owning Yukon Jack's for five years, followed by a decade of management with Buffalo Wild Wings, where he further honed his skills and passion for the industry. Dustin spent the last five years of his career with Raising Cane's, where he found not only professional success but also an incredible work family. During that time, he worked tirelessly to earn the title of Restaurant Partner, a role he was incredibly proud of. As the Restaurant Partner of the Hanford location, Dustin played a key role in opening the restaurant and implementing innovative ways to serve the community, including the prison orders he initiated, something he proudly referred to as "Feeding the Freedomly Challenged." He mentored, trained, and supported countless individuals over his 30-year career and built a loyal team of more than 18 crew members who remained by his side from the day they opened Hanford together. He leaves a lasting impact on everyone he worked with. Dustin had a rare gift for connecting with people. He may not have seen himself that way, but he truly was a "fisher of men," influencing and uplifting those around him in meaningful ways. He was known as a loyal friend; trustworthy, dependable, and one of the hardest-working people you could ever meet. "Those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever." Daniel 12:3 Above all else, Dustin's greatest pride and joy was his family. He and his wife Angela shared a love story that spanned 32 years, but their story began long before that. They grew up together and had known each other for most of their lives. Their journey together started in a way that would become a story their family would always smile about. One day in Selma, as Angela stood at a gas station, Dustin drove by in his gorgeous blue Camaro. She called out his name and waved, and as he turned to wave back, he smashed into the car in front of him. From that moment on, Angela would lovingly joke that she had to take him anywhere he needed to go and in many ways, she did. That moment marked the beginning of a lifetime of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Their relationship was nothing short of magical, something anyone who knew them could clearly see. The depth of their love, commitment, and partnership was evident to all, and it served as a foundation for the beautiful family they built together. His legacy continues through their growing family, which includes his first grandchild on the way. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Ephesians 5:25 Dustin was incredibly proud of his children and their accomplishments: his son Tyler, Civil Engineer with Caltrans; his daughter Kaitlyn, Children's Ministry Director at Kingsburg First Baptist Church; his daughter Joslyn, who pursued her esthetician license immediately after high school and continues her education while helping care for her father; and his son Trevor, who began working as an independent contractor right out of high school so he could remain close to his dad during this time. Dustin was especially thankful that each of his children found a partner in life, something that brought him great peace. Knowing they had someone to walk through life with, as he and Angela had, meant everything to him. Dustin worked tirelessly to ensure his family would be cared for, always putting their needs above his own. Even in the face of his cancer diagnosis, the past year was filled with love, purpose, and cherished time together, something his family will forever be grateful for. Over the past year, Dustin and his wife Angela were blessed to take numerous trips to their home away from home, Pismo Beach, spending their days side by side, soaking in every moment and simply enjoying each other's company. "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18 Dustin had a style and presence that everyone recognized; his signature flat bill cap, Dickies button-up, and crisp, clean Jordans were his standard attire. He loved to fish, and his favorite place to be was at the ocean. Dustin also had an incredible green thumb and truly loved growing things, taking pride in nurturing and caring for whatever he put his hands to. He especially loved bonsai plants, and it became a tradition for him and Angela to pick one up on their trips to the beach. Though Angela would laugh that she could never quite keep them alive, it was something they always enjoyed together. Dustin also had a deep love for pitbulls and was overjoyed when Angela finally agreed to bring one into their family, something that quickly became a lasting part of who they were, proudly calling themselves a pitbull family for the past 15 years. He had a true passion for food, with a sophisticated palate and a love for trying new things. He also loved cooking at home and took great pride in teaching his children how to cook, finding so much joy in watching them share that same love for food and family. Dustin was also a lifelong Miami Dolphins fan, through every high and low, he remained loyal and never wavered, standing by his team with the same steadfast commitment he showed in every part of his life. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..." Ecclesiastes 9:10 The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Chaudhary and the entire team at CCI for their compassion, care, and support throughout Dustin's journey. Dr. Chaudhary, thank you for the way you connected with Dustin; for the fist bumps and for recognizing his resilience. Your words and gestures gave us strength and will never be forgotten. Dustin's legacy is one of strength, love, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his family and community and to our Lord Jesus in Heaven. Dustin's faith may have been quiet, but it was the foundation beneath everything he was. He knew God as his Lord and Savior, and because of that, we hold tightly to the promise that this is not the end. Though we miss him deeply, we trust that one day we will be reunited. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. "The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." Proverbs 20:7 Funeral services will be held 1pm Friday, April 17th, 2026 at the First Baptist Church, 1753 Draper Street, Kingsburg with burial to immediately following at the Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. Immediately following the committal friends and family are invited to join Dustin's family at the Smokehouse Bar & Grill, 345 Sierra Street, Kingsburg for refreshments and a reception, for those who would like to share further memories of Dustin with his family. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Dustin Alexander Freeman

November 14, 1977 - March 31, 2026