William Joshua Speakman

Born on May 28, 1912, inWellston, Okla., to Charles and Sarah Robinet Speakman, he passed away on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, in Baton Rouge. He was a resident of Baton Rougesince 1942, and served as president of Baton Rouge Fabricators from 1945 until 1990. He was a longtime member ofFirstUnitedMethodistChurchwhere he was a member and past president of the Men's Bible Class and served as chairman of the church's Administrative Board for two years. He served as president of Downtown Kiwanis Club, a member of Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and member and past board member of Baton Rouge Country Club. He also served on the board of directors of Baton Rouge Bank. A 32nd degree Mason, he was a member of Trinity Union Masonic Lodge and theAcaciaShrineTemple. Mr. Speakman is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen Womble Speakman; two children, Becky Drouant of New Orleans and Josh Speakman and his wife Martha of Albuquerque, N.M.; grandchildren, Richard and Jon Paul Drouant, Clay and Christy Speakman and Courtney Byrd; and great- grandchildren, Mia, Kai, Sean and Meghan Drouant, Jessica, Hailey and Madison Speakman and Braidyn Byrd. Visiting atFirstUnitedMethodistChurch, 930 North Blvd., on Monday, Feb. 5, after 2 p.m.until religious service at 3 p.m., with entombment following in Greenoaks Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to a favorite charity.