Gary Speck
August 14, 2022
Gary Ray Speck, age 73, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 14, 2022.
Gary was born April 5, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa to Ernest and Lorene (Foreman) Speck. He was known by friends and family as the “King of the Southside”. He loved music and could always be heard saying, “Play it one more time.” Gary was an avid Cubs and Hawkeyes fan. He loved watching classic movies of all types, especially The Wizard of Oz. Gary took pride in his vehicles and frequented Mr. Car Wash daily. He was a former president of Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and a member of Fraternal Order of the Eagles and Sons of the American Legion. He was an active and founding member of Southside Cares.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Robin Vinzant, Jason Speck (Bandi), Amy Walker, Tiffany Speck, and Nick Speck; grandchildren, Jordan Speck, Austin McPherson, Dylan Cataldo, AJ Speck, Alex Latcham, Maura Speck, Trever Vinzant, Noah Walker, Alexa Walker, Derek Latcham, and Lillith Speck; nine great-grandchildren; and countless other extended family and friends he considered family. Gary was a Dad and Bepa to so many.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lorene Speck; brothers, Butch and Rollie Speck; and granddaughter, Hailey.
Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway (3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines). Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 19, 2022. Funeral will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Gary.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kayla Vaskis
08/16/2022
To Bandi and Jason, I am so sorry for your loss, prayers are with you both.
LaToya Corley
08/16/2022
Ann I'm so very sorry for your loss and prayers are with you and your family.
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Tammy Hawkins
08/16/2022
If you were friends with Gary you were friends for life. He was a loyal and loving guy loved by many. See you up in the clouds someday friend. You were my Santa Claus. Love Jeff and Tammy hawkins
Sammy Colacino
08/16/2022
Gary, my brother Frankie and Dave Crippen were buddies since Park Avenue. You were a big lovable teddy bear who loved his family and his friends with all his heart.
RIP Gary! God Bless!
Robert D Aguiniga
08/16/2022
Gary was a great friend to all of us. He will be missed.
Jeffery Stickel
08/16/2022
Gary was such an amazing person who I fell in love with from the minute I met him at the Friendly Sons mtg in 1996!! He always made me laugh and I loved his laugh! Myself and my family are praying for the family
Danny Jordan
08/16/2022
It was 1st or 2nd grade that we first met and then Garys family moved to California, but by 6th grade he was back at Park Avenue. From there our friendship and BROTHERHOOD just grew. We shared so many good times together and hundreds of belly laughs over the years. One of Gods greatest gifts to all of us who were lucky enough to call him friend! I love you, Goo ❤❤❤
Steve Smith
08/16/2022
Five decades of raising hell, many years of helping those in need,, once in a while not seeing eye to eye but the most important thing is that we always had each others back and we were always
BROTHERS
Joe and linda
08/16/2022
Gary wasnt just a friend he was my brother!! Been my friend since childhood! Loved to sing, Alway had choir Practice at the old Rosebowl Tap!! Many late nights back in the in the day! Singing and drinking a little to much!! We never said Good Bye we Alway said see you later!! Anne , Gary and I would sing for hours!! Two of my best people!! Alway here for you Anne!! Linda and I love you ❤
Dominic Tucci
08/16/2022
Gary was a wonderful buddy to all of us! If you were so lucky to be his friend he always had a smile & a big hug for you. God bless you my friend!
Phil Barber
08/16/2022
Gary was a great friend of mine for many years he was caring loving person that will be missed see you soon my ffriend
Debbie Loghry Jorgenson
08/16/2022
Gary was one of a kind, a friend, big brother, substitute father to so many of us. Bell Avenue, heck the whole south side, will not be the same.
Bill and Jenny Eaton
08/15/2022
Anne, so sorry for your loss. Gary will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you and your family.