Robert F. Speakman, 74 years old of Columbia City, Indiana and a former longtime resident of Decatur, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2009 at Coventry Meadows located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on Saturday, February 2, 1935 in Decatur, Indiana the son of the late Richard Speakman and the late Rhoda (Jones) Speakman. He married Judith Ann Gephart on June 30, 1957 in Decatur, Indiana. Robert was a graduate of Pleasant Mills High School class of 1953. He retired in 1979 after 26 years of service from the Adams County Co-op where he was the manager of Williams Elevator. He was also a longtime St. Mary's Township farmer. Robert attended the former Crossroads Church in Decatur. Surviving are his wife, Judith Ann Speakman of Columbia City, daughter, Mrs. Russell (Cindy) Strickler of Belgrade, Montana, daughter, Mrs. Micah (Michelle) Thomas of Columbia City, daughter, Mrs. Kepoe (Allison) Ioane of Columbia City, son, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Speakman of Romney, Indiana, brother, Paul Speakman of Breckenridge, Minnesota, sister, Mary Sutherland of Wilmore, Kentucky, sister, Arlyene Kelsey of Florence, Kentucky, sister, Ellamae Haessig of Syracuse, Indiana, brother, David Speakman of Syracuse, Indiana, and fourteen grandchildren; Mrs. Tyler (Melinda) Mills, Jana & Jeremiah Strickler all of Belgrade, Montana, Kendra Strickler of Greenwood, Indiana, Mrs. Ryan (Sandy) Sprunger of Anderson, Indiana, Kyle (Tracie) Speakman of Terre Haute, Indiana, Courtney Speakman of Muncie, Indiana, Darci Speakman of Indianapolis, Indiana, Michaela, Kiersten & Victoria Thomas and Stuart, Isaac & Gabriel Ioane all of Columbia City, Indiana. Preceding Robert were four brothers; Harry, John, Tom & Lee Speakman. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2009 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Jester officiating. Interment will follow in the Decatur Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, August 17 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur. Preferred memorials are to HCJB Global for missionary Steven Sutherland.
