J.C. Speer

J.C. Speer passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2013 following a lengthy illness. Born in Calera, Oklahoma on September 18, 1923, J.C. was born to Roby and Virgie Speer. Following graduation from Calera High School, he was called to serve his country in the Army during World War II in 1943. He first reported to Europe and was in the battle at Normandy. He and his officer took and picked up the orders from the front line. Along with his soldier buddies, as firing heated up, his buddies fell all around him and he was the only one standing. He was hit with shrapnel in his arm. One night as they were moving to another location, the jeeps began to hit each other and J.C.’s back was broken. He was sent to Camp Chaffey in Arkansas and discharged after he was wounded. J.C. married his high school sweetheart, Nita Trammel, and they celebrated 67 years of marriage. J.C. and Nita moved to Odessa, Texas from Oklahoma. The next 32 years, J.C. worked for Superior Oil Company in Midland, was made supervisor, then retired in 1985. He then worked for five or six more oil companies and in later years, he was a consultant with Marvin Davis who had offices in Houston and Denver, Colorado. After retirement, J.C. and Nita purchased an RV and traveled the country and had lots of fun together. J.C. was a longtime member and usher at First Baptist Church and served along with his wife, Nita, in various capacities of church work.

Survivors include his loving wife, Nita, loving daughter, Joyce and husband Terry Ferguson of Midland, brother Vernon Speer and wife Betty of Greenville, Texas, grandchildren Angela Ferguson of Midland, Kimberly Warner and husband Glenn of Denton, Texas, Stacee and husband Dennis Burns of Midland, Amy and husband Clell McCauley of Guthrie, Texas, Andrea and husband, Justin Wilson of Midland, sweet great grandchildren Megan Warner, Cooper Burns, Quinn Burns, Jaycee McCauley, Morgan McCauley, Ethan Wilson, and Baylee Wilson.

He was proceeded in death by his loving parents, Roby and Virgie Speer of Calera, Oklahoma, a son, Kenneth Wayne Speer, three sisters, Rutella Speer of Calera, Oklahoma, Novelle Murphy of Greenville, Texas, and Edith Colbert of Exselsior Springs, Missouri.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 25 from 6pm to 8pm at the funeral home. Funeral services will he held on Saturday, January 26 at 1:00 pm at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family request donations be directed to: Alzheimer’s Association and the Diabetics Foundation. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.