Hubert W. Speaker (Herb) passed from this life December 1, 2017 after a long illness. Hubert was born February 22, 1926 in West Plains, Missouri to Nora and Wilbur Speaker. He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years and the mother of his children, Betty Lou (Smurr) Speaker. Also preceding him in death, was his first born and only son, William (Bill) Speaker, son-In-Law Randy Jensen, and second wife of 11 years, Marianna Traylor Speaker.
He is survived by five daughters and their spouses, Mary and Dynes Shoemaker of Willard, Teresa and Troy Miller of Brookline, Ann and Darren Shaw of Ozark, Becky and Greg Henslee of Springfield, and the baby, Melisa, and her husband Mike Thomas of Brookline. Also, 10 grandchildren and their spouses and 23 great grandchildren.
Hubert served in the Navy during WWII as a First Class Seaman from 1944-1946. Honors included, the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific One Star Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal.
He received degrees in History and Economics from Drury University, subjects that he studied his entire life. After college, he went to work for International Harvester, eventually transferring to Kansas City as Credit Manager, then later relocating back to the Springfield, Missouri area with C Meek Lumber Company. He then started his own Construction Company, Speaker Construction, which he operated for several years.
Later in life he purchased a farm in Willard, Missouri where he ran a Cow/Calf operation and eventually built a home.
At the young age of 65, he opened the Willard Bike Shop. He thoroughly enjoyed building bicycles and interacting with young people who would come into his shop to buy bikes and parts. Due to his declining health he eventually had to sell his farm and bike shop.
Hubert lived independently with his favorite cat Blackie, until just a few weeks ago. The family would like to thank the Cambridge Senior Living staff, 417 Health and Visiting Angels for making this possible. We would like to give special thanks to his Constant Angel, Ann Burrington, who helped take care of Herb for the past five years.
Finally, a big thank you to the staff, nurses, and doctors at Riverview Manor Skilled Nursing in Ozark. Although just a week, your compassion and concern meant everything to us.
Hubert’s memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm. Thursday, December 7th, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 441 West Battlefield. His burial will immediately follow at Rivermont Memorial Gardens.

Rest in peace Daddy. We love you.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Hubert W Speaker, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.