John M. Speck

John Martin Speck was born on the family farm in East Independence on February 2, 1927, to Carrie (Rice) and Martin Speck. The youngest of three, John had a sister, Martha (Max) Miller and a brother, Walter P. Speck. He graduated from William Chrisman High School, but joined the Navy during WW2, before officially finishing and served in the Atlantic. After release from the Navy, he joined the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) and joined the Navy Reserve. He was called to serve again during the Korean War. He married Patricia R. Kerr of Independence on March 17th, (St. Patrick's Day) and had 3 daughters. A keen baseball player, he pitched in several KC leagues, one being the Ban Johnson and was scouted by the St. Louis Cardinals. He retired as a Captain on the KCFD after 25 years of service and moved to a farm in Centerview to raise cattle. He was a member of Sacred Heart in Warrensburg.

He leaves his wife of 73 years, Pat Speck, 3 daughters, Susan Speck, Kim (Mike) Audley and Mindy (Ross) Ford. He also leaves, 5 grandchildren, Mattie (Gabe) Gardiner, Jerad Ford, Fiona (Brad) Bogart, Joe Audley and Anna Audley, plus one great grandson, Kerr Gardiner.

A visitation for John will be held Friday, March 22, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel, 509 S Noland Rd, Independence, Missouri 64050. A Mass of Christian burial will occur Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Parish, 600 N Liberty St, Independence, Missouri 64050. With Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, 701 S Noland Rd, Independence, Missouri 64050.