Richard Lee Speelman, 95, formerly of Lagro, Indiana, died at 11:47 am, Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Marion General Hospital. He was born June 1, 1921 in Wabash, Indiana 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, Indiana in July 1944; she died November 10, 1976. He then married Joyce Ann (Haynes) Downam on August 4, 1979 in Herbst, Indiana. 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 of Swayzee, Indiana, daughter, Rebecca (Terry) Bechtold of Urbana, Indiana, sister, Lois Koehler, of Wabash, three step-daughters, Lynn (Gary) Knight of Marion, Indiana, Deb Hall of Nashota, Wisconsin, and Carol (Ron) Davenport of Swayzee, step-daughter in-law, Diana Downam of 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 6:00 pm, Wednesday, July 27, 2016 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.