Richard Lee Speelman
Richard Lee Speelman, 95, formerly of Lagro, died at 11:47 a.m., Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Marion General Hospital.
He was born June 1, 1921 in Wabash to Jess and Berniece (Zook) Speelman.
Richard served in the US Army during World War II and was a member of the Iron Men of Metz Infantry. He first married June Burnsworth in Marion in July 1944; she died Nov. 10, 1976. He then married Joyce Ann (Haynes) Downam on Aug. 4, 1979 in Herbst. Richard worked for Ford Meter Box for 20 years retiring in 1984, and was also a member of the Lagro Township Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years. He was a member of the Lagro Community Church, Lagro American Legion Post 248, the 20th Century Farm Club, and was a volunteer Meals on Wheels driver. He enjoyed wood working, and being with family. Richard lived at Rolling Meadows in LaFontaine the past four years.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Ann Speelman, Swayzee; daughter: Rebecca (Terry) Bechtold, Urbana; sister, Lois Koehler, Wabash; three step-daughters: Lynn (Gary) Knight, Marion; Deb Hall, Nashota, Wisc.; and Carol (Ron) Davenport, Swayzee; step-daughter in-law: Diana Downam, Boise, Idaho; two grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and 19 step-great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, step-son, Darrell Downam, two sisters, and three brothers.
Funeral services will be 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Pastor Richard Long officiating. Burial will be in Lagro Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call 4 – 6 pm, Wednesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is Alzheimer’s Association.