Karl F. Speer
Karl F. Speer, Durham, Mo., passed away at 2:14 p.m., at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill., on Thursday, July 15, 2021.
Karl was born on April 5, 1949 in Hannibal, Mo., to Walter Earnest Speer and Dorothy E. (Powell) Speer.
Karl F. Speer
He is survived by his longtime companion and significant other, Sandra Benson; two children, Tracy Dorsey, Washington; and Rachel Speer, New Mexico; seven grandchildren and his longtime friend, James Spratt.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Karl proudly served his country in the United States Army.
He was a lifelong farmer. Upon graduation from high school, he also worked at Motorola Electronics as well as at the Mark Twain Casino for 19 years.
Karl loved to fish at the area fishing holes. He loved working outdoors and tending to his 1931 Ford Model-A pickup. Karl took care of this classic truck and displayed it at local car shows all over the area. He was also the proud owner of a ’63 Chevy.
A jokester at heart, Karl enjoyed kidding around with his dry sense of humor. He was an avid collector of vinyl records with a collection that contained over 12,000 records.
He also enjoyed drinking coffee with his buddies at the Main Stop Restaurant in Durham and the 18-Wheeler truck stop.
Above all else, he cherished time spent with his family and loved ones.
Karl was a member of the Durham United Methodist Church.
Friends and family are invited to Karl’s life celebration at a visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., on Tuesday, July 20, at Durham United Methodist Church in Durham, Mo.
A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Helen McFarland will officiate. Burial will follow at Durham Cemetery with full military honors from American Legion Post #174 of Palmyra.
Pallbearers will be Maurice Stoner, Tommy Muse, J.R. Andrews, Phil Goldsten, Larry Logan and Dale Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be James Spratt, Chester Speer and Terry Goings.
Memorials may be made to the Durham United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute viewed at www.lewisbrothersfuneralchapel.com.
