Donald Wayne Speer, age 86 of Harrisonville, Missouri was welcomed into Heaven peacefully with his family by his side on January 11, 2025 at his home. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.Donald (Don) was born on November 29, 1938 in Booneville, Arkansas, son of Lee and Lillian (Cole) Speer. During his childhood, Don’s family lived in several places and settled in Peculiar, MO. He graduated from Peculiar High School in 1957.
Don married Matilda Brewster on December 6, 1958 and they made their home in Harrisonville where they raised their 3 children, Kenny, Kris and Karla until Matilda’s passing on January 25, 1998. He married Patricia (Pat) Shanks in March 2004 and gained a daughter, Patrese. Don and Pat made many precious memories during their marriage, and enjoyed living in their Harrisonville home and Warsaw lake cabin.
Don served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1962. He worked at Western Electric from 1960 to 1990 until he retired after 30 years of service. While at Western Electric, and after his retirement, Don also enjoyed making custom cabinets, building homes and raising cattle on his farm. He was known for his kindness, strong work ethic and the joy he brought to people around him. He loved spending time watching his children and grandchildren participating in sporting and school activities.
Don was a devout Christian and member of the Freeman Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years.
Don is preceded in death by his parents Lee and Lillian Speer, wife Matilda Speer, brothers Shannon Speer and Harrel Speer, and son Kris Speer.
Don is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Pat Shanks, of the home; siblings Coleene Debrot, Raymore MO, Joetta Fraser, Gun Barrel City TX, Denny (Peggy) Speer, Belton MO; son Kenny Speer and wife Brenda of Harrisonville, daughter Karla Jones and husband Jim of Harrisonville, daughter Patrese and partner Dylan of Kansas City MO, daughter-in-law Margaret Speer of Raymore; grandchildren Chad (Karla) Speer, Brandon (Brandy) Speer, Ashley Milburn, Josh (Sam) Speer, Steven (Anne) Jones and Austin (Megan) Speer; 17 great-grandchildren Alyssa Speer, Gavin Speer, Clinton Coones, Aron Jones, Piper Coones, Hunter Jones, Kenzie Coones, Dawson Jones, Morgan Speer, Macie Speer, Kyson Speer, Lane Speer, Kyler Speer, Hayden Speer, Raegan Jones, Ellis Speer and Maverick Speer; father-in-law Louis Coleman and brother-in-law Roy Brewster; and many other family members, friends and neighbors.
Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. with Memorial Service immediately following on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Freeman Baptist Church Memorial Fund, Freeman, Missouri and sent to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
