"We also did not hear about Warren till lately. We know it is the circle of life that we all need face eventually. Thank God for God. If there were ever two peas in a pod it was you two. We will always remember the time he told Mariners about how he chose you. You were both blessed for many years. Hate that part in the marriage vows till death do us part. What are they talking about? Heaven is going to be even better! You have both always taken time out whenever we saw you out to ask how everyone was doing with such sincerity. We are trusting God to comfort you and the kids as you wait to join WArren in heaven someday. All our love, John & Vicki Christ"
In loving memory of
Warren Speckhart
September 13, 1935 - July 15, 2020
Warren Earl Speckhart, age 84, of Quincy, died Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at 9:23 am in Blessing Hospital.
Warren was born September 13, 1935 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Earl F. and Helen B. Campbell Speckhart. He married Shirley Boland on March 13, 1959 in Quincy, Illinois. She survives.
Warren attended Union Grade School and Ursa Grade School. He was a 1953 Quincy High School graduate and attended the University of Illinois from 1953-1954. He attended Western Illinois University from 1954-1957 graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree and then received his Masters Degree in Education in 1962. He taught science at Quincy Senior High School from 1957 -1979. Warren attended the University of Virginia from 1963-1964 where he received a Masters Degree in Education. He also attended Ripon College and Montana State University. Warren farmed from 1980 -2012. He served as treasurer of the TriTownship Fire Department for 2 years and as levee commissioner for Union District, MO. He coached Little League Baseball and 4-H softball. Warren was a devout Christian man, who served as a church elder and a Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church. He currently attended Calvary Baptist Church. He was a member of Adams County Historical Society where he portrayed John Wood for events, and he was a member of Tri-County Civil War Society. Warren was an active volunteer at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, IL as a guide, at Horizons Soup Kitchen, and at the Adams County One-Room School House on school days. He enjoyed travel and museums having visited all 50 states as well as several countries. He was noted as a strong St. Louis Cardinal fan.
In addition to his wife, Shirley, survivors include three children: Mark (Jodell) Speckhart of Taylor, MO; Luanne (Randy) Shover of Payson, IL; and Janet (Marlon) Janssen of Quincy, IL; 10 grandchildren: Isaac (Becky) Speckhart, Ben (Sarah) Speckhart, Caleb (Courtney) Janssen, Natalie (Luke) Zimmerman, Anna (Seth) Martin, ,Whitley Luteru, Abby (Trenton) Fiscus, Ethan Janssen, Jared (Kelsey) Shover, and Rachel (Seth) Gosset; a brother, Aaron Kent (Deanna) Speckhart; a sister Joyce (Ed) Buckley; and a brother-in-law, Garrett (Ann) Boland.
Warren was preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild, Timothy Speckhart; a sister-in-law, Beverly Boland; a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law, Robert and Phyllis Heitholt; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Garrett and Laura Boland; and a step granddaughter, Miranda Wilson.
Memorial Service: Private family service with Rev. Jim Dennis officiating. You may attend remotely by clicking the following link at 3:00 pm on Friday, July 17, 2020.
https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/14254647
Also, you may Send Hugs to Warren's family by recording a private video message using this link: https://www.sendhugs.com/record/0nCzHu1bD_8/Warren-Speckhart
Inurnment: private inurnment at New Providence Cemetery
Memorials: Calvary Baptist Church or Horizons
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Only recently learned of Warren?s passing...he was my supervising teacher when I student taught at QSHS in 1969. Great guy...will never forget him! I am a retired teacher, principal, and superintendent ....thanks to him! Bruce Hall"
"Just learned of warrens passing I am glad to have known warren. And I know you will miss him terribly I am heavy hearted with you shirley."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and the family. Floyd Brown Family, St. Louis, Mo."
"I am certainly sorry to hear of your loss. I extend my deepest sympathy. Our families become closely related With marriages. Not to mention the connection of Heitholt and Speckhart genealogy. But in our life times we lived so far apart that we almost lost family reunions. I fill strongly that the SPIRITS of our families do care for each other And that we have some good memories. God?s Grace and our memories help us to carry on. Love from here . Bill Heitholt. We pray for the souls of our loved ones that have gone on before us."
"Shirley, I just learned of Warren?s passing. I am deeply sorry for your earthly loss. I had been praying since I heard he was in the hospital. Please know I will continue to pray for you. A friend, Connie K Balfour "
"Shirley, Mark, Luann, Janet and family we all are so sorry to hear about Warren. What a wonderful person and mentor to all the many lives he touched. He will be missed by many, but he we always be remembered as being a kind, caring and helpful person. Many of his great character qualities you can see in his children, what a great legacy for a father. He was the perfect example of what many of us should strive to be like here on earth. His life is celebrated by many of us and the angels in Heaven. Rita and Gary Speckhart and family "
"Shirley, Mark, Luann, Janet and family we all are so sorry to hear about Warren. What a wonderful person and mentor to all the many lives he touched. He will be missed by many, but he we always be remembered as being a kind, caring and helpful person. Many of his great character qualities you can see in his children, what a great legacy for a father. He was the perfect example of what many of us should strive to be like here on earth. His life is celebrated by many of us and the angels in Heaven. Rita and Gary Speckhart and family "
"Shirley, Mark, Luann, Janet and family we all are so sorry to hear about Warren. What a wonderful person and mentor to all the many lives he touched. He will be missed by many, but he we always be remembered as being a kind, caring and helpful person. Many of his great character qualities you can see in his children, what a great legacy for a father. He was the perfect example of what many of us should strive to be like here on earth. His life is celebrated by many of us and the angels in Heaven. Rita and Gary Speckhart and family "
"Sorry to hear of Warren's passing. We will miss his involvement and comments on the Looking for Lincoln Committee. May he rest in peace."
"Mike & Kathy Jones
So sorry of Warren?s passing. He was such a wonderful person in so many way. We always enjoyed being in his company. Our sincere sympathy to you Shirley and all your family"
"Sorry to read of Warren's passing. I will always remember him as a warm and generous person, one of many wonderful Quincy people who enriched the lives of so many. I always looked forward to seeing you both at the QHS class of 1953 reunions. Sincere condolences. Jeff Kushan"
"So sorry for your loss, from what I know he was an amazing man. "
"Mr. Speckhart was a great teacher, a man of kindness. Sending condolences to his family."
"My sincere thought and prayers go out to Shirley and the family. Mr. Speckhart was such a good person and so thoughtful. Mr. Speckhart was in my father's class in school and every time before my father passed away when I saw Mr. Speckhart he would always ask about him. That was so kind of him. God Bless!! Dave Pellman"
"May you have God?s peace , Shirley. God bless you."
"All of Mr. Speckhart?s former students and fiends were sadden by his passing. When I was a student I considered him a teacher. As an adult I concerned him a friend. Both are good but being a friend is always best. When I saw him public, after he made a presentation, or while being a guest at a class reunion I would always enjoy visiting with him. Not too long ago after he made a presentation at a church group I spoke with him. I shared that through his chemistry class and his explanation of the Periodic Table of Elements it proved to me the existence of God. The elements could not have placed themselves there by random. It took the divine creative mind of God to layout the elements in such a fashion. I want to thank him for my understanding of chemistry and more importantly for my understanding of God. He shall be missed. J T Dozier QHS 1974 "
"Dear Shirley and family, I am saddened to learn of Warren?s passing. It was my fortune to know the Speckhart family for many years. Warren was a very caring and friendly man. It was an honor to be on the QHS staff with him. He was a team player and his biology and chemistry teaching was always exemplary. I send my sincere condolences and God?s Blessings. May your important memories help soothe the sadness. RIP, Warren."
"Warren was a wonderful christian man. May the peace of God guard your heart and mind."
"Warren was a wonderful christian man. May the peace of God guard your heart and mind."
"You and your entire family are in my prayers for the loss of Warren. He was the most wonderful friend I could ever imagine and I've thought of him and his family almost every day. We all know where he is and we'll all see him again in Heaven. God bless each and every one of you. Gwen Kenady"
"So sorry to hear of Waren's passing. He was always a good neighbor and just a fun guy when we were growing up. I believe he was referred to as "Uncle Warren" by most of Marks friends. He was a gentleman farmer and always had interesting stories to tell. I know it hurts not having him around but you know he is in Heaven telling stories to St. Peter! John and Sheila Benz"
"So very sorry for your loss. Warren was such a warm, kind-hearted and fun teacher to work alongside with in the QHS science department. You could always count on him for a positive and sometimes funny spin on anything that was happening with students and staff in the high school. I have nothing but very pleasant memories of the time we had to spend together."
"Condolences to the Speckhart family. Warren was a wonderful neighbor! I have fun memories traveling with Warren to the MVC tournament in St. Louis one year."
"Sending lots of love and prayers to you all during this difficult time. Love, Nick and Laura Boland"
"My sincerest condolences to the family of Warren. He will be missed. Warren was my biology teacher at QHS in 67/68. He turned me on to science and I ended up with a degree in chemistry from QU. I worked as a chemist in Quincy and often crossed paths with Warren at Hy-Vee Harrison. It was always a pleasure to visit with him and catch up. Mike Bernhardt "
"Speckhart family, Warren was a great man in our eyes.Always friendly,kind,and thoughtful. He will be missed. You all have our sympathy. JD and Nancy Albsmeyer"
"Dear Speckhart family, We were blessed to meet Warren over 2 years ago when our son married his precious granddaughter, Rachel Shover Gossett. He was such a delight and a vivacious gentleman. What an impact he has made on generations! His legacy will continue to touch lives and make a difference for the Kingdom of God. Blessings, Scott and Sandra Gossett, Huntsville, Alabama"
"Great man, great teacher truly cared about people he will be missed"
"I am so glad I had the chance to visit with Mr. Speckhart and his lovely wife at our last reunion. He was such a kind man and obviously a favorite of many past students because he was always invited to the reunions. He always remembered me and had kind things to say even though I know that I certainly was not the best Chemistry student he ever taught. It was so enjoyable to sit and visit with him. I am so deeply sorry for his family. Thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy. Cheryl Frohn O'Donnell (class of 74)"
"It was an honor to know Warren?s family through the years and share relationship with the Speckhart?s. Warren was a valued teacher of Biology and Chemistry. Shirley and family, I send my sincere condolences and God??s Blessings as I recall kind memories of the Speckhart?s and Bolands."
"Mr. Speckhart was one of my ALL time favorite teachers. I had him in high school, he always made learning fun. I can even remember when we had to dissect baby pigs, which was a rough thing to do. He worked with us slowly getting us through it. Mr. Speckhart had a passion for teaching and a heart to always help students. Everyone looked forward to his classes and enjoyed his quick wit. Outside of school he was always very kind and will be missed by many. Quincy was very lucky to have had such a great person living here. Prayers to all of the family. "
"Shirley and family, just want to extend my condolences to you. Warren was a good Christian man. Remember the 2 of you from when we attended The Crossing in Quincy and the Wednesday evening Bible studies. Prayers for your family."
"Our prayers are with all of you. Warren's gentle voice and sense of humor always made for enjoyable conversations throughout the years of watching our grandchildren in school activities, etc. He was a great role model. God Bless all of you! Diana and Don McCleary "
"Mr. Speckhart was always so pleasant when he came in the office to pay his tax bills. It was a pleasure talking with him. I know he'll he missed by so many. You're family has my deepest sympathy."
"The family of the late George and Joan Lewis are sorry to hear of Warren's passing. Our memories go as far back as the old First United Presbyterian Church. Hoping your sorrow leads to peace. "
"Thoughts and prayers to family and friends. God Bless!"
"Sending prayers for comfort and peace. May you feel God?s loving arms surrounding you during this time. "
"Shirley, Mark & Speckhart Family, I am so sorry to hear this news! Every time we met over the last several years, it was, "How bout them Cardinals?" He was a joy to talk Baseball with his vast knowledge and to talk Cardinal History. Please accept my condolences. "
"So remember him as my biology teacher in 1959 at Quincy Senior High School. And all the girls had a "crush" on him. Fond memories of that class and he made biology interesting."
"You all have always been like an extended family to me. So many "kids" my age referred to Warren and Shirley as Uncle Warren and Aunt Shirley because that's how close we felt to them. I am so blessed to have been able to be part of your family."
"I really enjoyed working with Warren with the Adams County Retired Teachers Association. He was very active working with the one room school development and the activities with school school children. A good friend."
"Warren was a regular at the library and I always enjoyed visiting with him. May peace be with you in yourloss."
"I'm so saddened to hear this news. So many memories from Sunday school class to church camp counselor to high school teacher Mr. Speckhart was one of my favorite teachers and a great guy. I remember several trips to the farm and being fascinating with his life as a farmer and teacher. He always attended our QSHS class of 75 reunions and I loved seeing him and Shirley and talking about old times. He will be missed by everyone at our next one and Quincy has lost one of it's finest educators. Shirley and family I am so sorry for your loss."
"Dear Speckhart Family, Thinking of you and remembering Warren. We were in high school when he came to QHS to teach biology. He was always so nice and friendly whenever we saw him. As ever, Dick & Pat Wentura"
"It was an honor to call him my friend! Great times trading barbs about Cards/Cubs. So much respect for Warren and family. Awesome guy! "
"Shirley and family: We are so saddened to learn of Warrens passing. Our sincere sympathy. Duane Linda Robinson "
"Joyce, your dad was so nice to me when I had car trouble on Highway 61 years ago! He took me back to Quincy to get parts & put them in for me! How many people would of done that! When we got to talking I told Warren that you & I went to school together! He is an angel ?! I am so sorry & wish your family well!"
"Warren's life was a life well-lived. He was a great man and teacher, as well a a good Christian! I was always ready for a good conversation whenever I saw him. Condolences to all of the Speckhart family. Our loss here on Earth is Heaven's gain."
"I am so sorry to learn of Warren's death. He was part of my Mother's extended family. Even if there were no family bond, I would still be thankful that I knew him. Warren and I shared an interest in history. Warren taught me a lot about Civil War history in the Quincy area. He had an almost computer-like recall of facts and stories. I greatly enjoyed the time he gave me. Beyond his skills as a historian, I will remember Warren as being a kind, decent man. He lived his faith, quietly, but sincerely in a manner that befits a believer. I could go on, and on some more. May he rest in peace and rise again in glory. Fred Johnston"
"Sorry to read of Warren?s passing. He was a great teacher and wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with the family."
"I will always have great memories of him playing John Wood. After one of the events we work at the John Wood mansion I called him papa wood"
"Shirley and family, We are so sorry to hear of Warren's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Bill & June Lahrman"
"One of the nicest men I have known, and a deeply devout Christian. Warren and Shirley have been fixtures in the Christian community of Quincy for many years and influenced countless lives. Warren's sense of humor and positive attitude made him a joy to visit with. His legacy of love and joy will remain through his wonderful family. May God comfort and strengthen them during these days. "