Jennings County
Walter Eugene Speer, 80, a lifelong resident of Columbia Township in Jennings County, passed away October 18, 2016, at St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon.
Born January 7, 1936, in Zenas, Mr. Speer was the son of William O. and Emily G. Yeager Speer. He married the love of his life, Mary Evelyn Fleming, on November 12, 1953, and they have been happily married for 63 years.
Mr. Speer’s favorite hobby and love was farming with his family and teasing his grandchildren. His advice to his family was always, “If there’s a will there’s a way” and “If that’s the worst thing that happens to you, you’ll be alright.” In his younger years, he farmed and was a carpenter, having worked for Oscar Elsner Construction. He was a member of Zenas Baptist Church and also attended Risen Savior Bible Church. He enjoyed sports and horse pulling, watching his family grow throughout the years and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities and events.
Surviving with his wife, Mary Evelyn Speer, are his children, Gary (Janet) Speer and Walter Leon (Meaghan) Speer, both of North Vernon, Daniel (Michele) Speer of Holton, Kristina (Gary) Johnson of Westport, Jeanetta “Jeanie” (Dale) Koelmel of Butlerville and Janet (Thomas) McGreal of San Marino, California; brother, Wayne (Janet) Speer of Lexington; sister, Virginia (Walter) Brauer of Brownsburg; 10 grandsons, 12 granddaughters and 26 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Bernice Hopkins, and brothers, Omar, Elmer, Melvin, Fred, Leonard, John and Richard Speer.
Funeral service for Mr. Speer will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Services in North Vernon with the Rev. Roger Hearne officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 21, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be at Butlerville Cemetery in Butlerville.
Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association or the donor’s choice of churches.
You are welcome to leave the family a message of condolence at www.dovesharprudicel.com
