Robert L. Speaks

Robert L. "Lefty" Speaks, 79, of Belleview, FL, formerly of Loami, IL, passed away at 8:51 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, FL. Lefty was born on October 2, 1932, in Chatham, IL, the son of Alvie and Lucille Bearden Speaks. He married Lela G. Workman on October 4, 1950 in Loami, IL. She preceded him in death in 1999. Lefty was a graduate of New Berlin High School in New Berlin, IL and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. He retired as an auditor with the Illinois Dept. of Corrections. As an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan he enjoyed playing softball himself. Lefty was a member of the Loami Methodist Church in Loami, IL and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Belleview, FL. He was also preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and a sister. Lefty is survived by two sons, Kent (Wanda) Speaks of AL and Pastor Keith (Paula) Speaks of WI; two daughters, Kathi (Larry Tipsword) Sheppard and Krista Poirer both of FL; two brothers, Larry (Eileen) and Don (Terri) Speaks; three sisters, Wanda Freeman, Ima Jean Cummings, and Bonnie (John Halstead) Speaks; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012 at McCullough-Delaney & Butler Funeral Home; 714 East Gibson Street, New Berlin, IL. Funeral Ceremony: will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Keith Speaks, officiating. Burial will follow at Sulphur Springs Cemetery in Loami. Memorial contributions may be made to: Fraternal Order of Eagles, 8380 E. Highway 25, Belleview, FL 34420.