Earl Speidel Jr. (Veteran)

Earl E. Speidel Jr., age 67 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Sunday, March 11, 2012, at St. Mary's Health Center. Earl was born April 6, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Earl E. Sr. and Irma Jean Snider Speidel. He was married on April 6, 1990, in Jefferson City, Mo. to Kathryn L. Link. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Earl graduated from Jefferson City High School. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. Earl was employed as a Union Painter through Painters Local 1185. He was employed with the K.W. Luetkemeyer Painting Company and later with Foster Painting until his retirement on December 31, 2008. He was a member of the First Christian Church where he volunteered with the Food Pantry and the Buddy Pack Program. He also helped to mail the church newsletter. Survivors include: his wife, Kathy Speidel; four sons, Michael Edward Speidel and his wife Kim of Taos, Mo., David Matthew Speidel and his wife Jennifer of California, Mo., Stephen Kent Smith and his wife Kimberly of Fort Dix, New Jersey, and Thomas Michael Smith and his wife Mellissa of Fulton, Mo.; two daughters, Ashley Marie Ortiz and her husband Sergio of Jefferson City, Mo. and Sara Jean Lee and her husband Brandon of Jerseyville, Illinois; one sister, Susan Daniel of Kansas City, Mo.; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be at the First Christian Church from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2012. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2012, at the First Christian Church with the Reverend Don Carter officiating. Military honors will follow the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Earl Speidel Jr. Memorial Funeral Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com