Donald Speck
December 16, 2015
Donald Speck
Des Moines
Donald Speck, 70, passed away peacefully with his loving children by his side Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
Don was born February 20, 1945 in Des Moines and was a proud lifelong Southsider. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of ’63, and continued to support them as an alumnus. Don worked for the city of Des Moines for over 20 years, 19 of which were for Des Moines Fire Department Station #1 at 9th & Mulberry from 1968 - 1987. He founded Speck Enterprises, now Speck USA, and had a part in many other entrepreneurial endeavors. He was a member of various vintage car clubs and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lodge #109.
Don is survived by his children, Todd (Teresa) Speck, Lisa Fargo, Matt Speck, Jeremy (Jenny) Speck, and Nick (Amanda) Speck; grandchildren, Taylor, Tabby, Sidney, Tony, Sage, Sam, Collin, Cooper, and one on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Janice Connelly and Linda (John) Shaver; uncle and aunts, Bob and Jean Durbin and Lucille Kissel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlin and Erma Speck.
All services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, December 20th and from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, December 21st, with the last half hour of each visitation being a memory sharing celebration. Donald’s funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 22nd, followed by interment at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Des Moines Fire Department Honor Guard, 314 13th St. SW, Altoona, IA 50009, to honor fallen firefighters.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jeff Orr
12/23/2015
I remember my first time cutting his lawn for Fargo lawn care, he said " hey Chuck your new guy missed a spot" since that day going to do his lawn work was a treat. He was a good joker, the many laughs will be missed. See you around Don. Rest peacefully.
Pat & Viz O'Neal
12/21/2015
We are saddened for your loss. Will have many great memories of Don of the times we use to spend.
The King Family
12/21/2015
Saddened to hear of the loss of Don. He was a great neighbor and meant a lot to our family. He was always there for us. Great memories living on the hill by him. Our sincere condolences to the family. We'll miss ya Gpa Don
Joe Farrell
12/21/2015
Sherry and I send our love to all of you at this time and pray the God's peace will be with you. You are all special to us and we sympathize with you in your loss.
Mick Ellis
12/21/2015
My Condolence to the family. I knew Don from High School Days.
He was younger than me, but we ran around with Norman & Mike Beattie. May God bless you in your time of sorrow
Mick
James Mincks "flash"
12/21/2015
very sorry to read about Don. He and my uncle, George Ballard went to fire school together, I might have crossed paths with him at fires, but I can't remember. I was there to record the fires and most were at night, hence the Dept. nickname "Flash".
Angie (Cave) Goodson
12/20/2015
Even though it's been years, I have many good memories of your family while spending time with Lisa at the Speck Ranch. You guys were always fun, sorry to hear of your loss, thinking of you all.
Bill Connelly
12/20/2015
Don will be missed by many. His family are in my thoughts. Rest in peace. God bless all of you.
Deborah Kinney, Edwards
12/19/2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to Don's family. My first babysitting job was watching Todd. After Don paid me for babysitting he would empty all his change out of his pockets and give it to me. Don was a good person a friend of my dad's and our family. He will be missed
Becky (Mogensen) Allen
12/19/2015
Linda and Janice - I was so saddened to hear of Don's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Robert Anderson
12/18/2015
Don was a very special person.We go back to jr. high. Lots of good memories.True southsider. GOD BLESS
Norman Beattie
12/18/2015
Everybody liked Donny. He was quite the guy, and you have to admit....
"He was a handful"
Frank Vivone
12/18/2015
I was 10 and he 14 when we met at the grocery store at Watrous and Union. He tall lanky me skinny short I always looked up to him because he was not a bully, he liked knowing and having fun with people. He didn't want any trouble because like me our dads were law enforcement. I came on the DMFD in 73 stationed at 1 and he treated me with respect and I looked to him again as a roll model, because he was a leader and a charger on the FD. I am saddened with his death.
Regan klawonn
12/18/2015
Don was an awesome guy and im glad I got to know him and im going to miss fishing in the pound and most of all seeing him on holidays
And I knew he loved my mom god bless his family and may god be with them this holiday season
Maureen Reed Fisher
12/18/2015
/We grew up together, from Park Avenue to Weeks to Lincoln. What a character Don was!! He could dance like no one else and party hardy too. He had a keen sense of humor and was an entertainer at heart. We all loved him and he will surely be missed. My condolences to his family. Maureen