MOUNT VERNON – On the morning of June 1, 2022, Ronald Francis Speer passed away at the age of 85 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Ron was born on May 25, 1937, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, to Nina Mae (McElroy) Speer and Thomas Wayne Speer. He was the eldest of their four boys. Ron proudly served a 26-year career in the U.S. Army as a computer operator/data processor. His service included one tour in Korea, two tours in Japan, and two tours in Vietnam, and he was stationed at key military installations, including Heidelberg Army Base in Germany, the Pentagon, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the Edgewood Arsenal, Ent Air Force Base, and Fort Carson. The U.S. Army recognized Ronald’s honorable service, sacrifice, and bravery with several awards, including the Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal. Ronald married his lovely wife, Ann Phyllis Bell, in February of 1959 at Ellicott City, Maryland, and together they raised their four children and enjoyed 63 years of marriage.
Ron retired in Colorado Springs and enjoyed a pleasant routine with his wife whom he adored – taking walks in the neighborhood, feeding birds and squirrels on the deck, taking photos at holiday gatherings, and generously helping, supporting, and caring for the family. The Speer family extends tremendous gratitude for 27 additional years of life thanks to a liver transplant and a family who donated the organs of their young loved one.
Ron is survived by his wife Ann; children Scott (Lorri) Speer, Ronald (Justina) Speer, Beth (Steve) Roark, and Brian Speer; grandson Jacob Speer; Debra Karas, Allaynah Reed, Adrian Reed; great grandchildren Elizzibeth and Rex; and some close friends and extended family members. Ron’s parents, brothers Gerald Speer, Jerry Speer, and Tom Speer, and grandson Clayton Speer predeceased him.
Interment with full military honors will be at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs. The family will hold a private service.
Submitted by Justina Carter.
