Douglas James Speer

Douglas James Speer, Lebanon, Missouri, was born October 10, 1959, in Humboldt, Tennessee, to Earl and Virginia (Miller) Speer. He departed this life on August 4, 2024, at the age of 64.

Douglas lived in many places throughout his life. He mainly grew up in Tennessee but moved to Illinois when his father was called to preach there. When Douglas was older, the family moved to Portland, Indiana, where he graduated high school. Next, he joined the U.S. Army and began to travel the world, even serving overseas in Germany for six years. His and Sandra's children were each born in different states, including Missouri, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Illinois. In 2002, when Douglas retired from the Army after 25 years of active duty service, he settled in Lebanon. Still, he continued his government service as a supply clerk in Ft. Leonard Wood until 2019.

Douglas was a proud member of the Lebanon community. People could always find him grabbing a cup of coffee at the local Caseys, cheering on his kids at one of the many sporting events, or attending church as a member of Lebanon First Assembly. Douglas joined the church 16 years ago, attended whenever possible, and enjoyed supporting their ministries and charities. He loved listening to worship music and would arrive early to hear them practice.

Douglas was a hardworking, patriotic family man. As a local "Fix-it Man," he would always stop to help anyone who needed it. When they would ask, "How much do I owe you?" he would say, "Oh, just buy me a cup of coffee." He was always there to help with whatever his family needed.

He was also incredibly wise and patient, always moseying around somewhere, possibly humming, but never in a hurry. Some considered Douglas a man of few words. However, he still had some insightful expressions like "You have to grow old, but you don't have to grow up."

Douglas also had a great sense of humor. He claimed that teasing Sandra was a hidden perk of their marriage, written in invisible ink below the fine print of the license. Similarly, he would always joke with his kids, or even the "Nan kids," who were his pride and joy. He loved being a Papa and bragged about his family all the time.

Above all, Douglas enjoyed spending quality time with his family, wherever and whenever possible - playing board games, enjoying a delicious meal, or going on a road trip. One of his favorite family vacation memories was a trip to Colorado. His adventurous spirit loved the scenery, but he said the most memorable part was the series of unfortunate events that unfolded, leading the family to become lost on the way back home.

He will be greatly missed. 

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Earl and Virginia Speer, and his in-laws, Ed and Donata Spear. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sandra (Spear) Speer; four children, Rev. Allen and Jenn Speer of Lebanon, Missouri, Benjamin and Jess Speer of Winter Park, Florida; Stephanie and Caleb Osborn of Lebanon, Missouri, and Christopher Speer of Springfield, Missouri; two grandchildren, Karis and Kendall Speer; one brother, Thomas Speer from Arkansas; two brothers-in-law, Michael and wife Brandy Spear, Marshfield, Missouri and Barry Spear, Louisburg, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Susan and husband David Scarborough, Marshfield, Missouri, Sarah and husband Marty Rader, Marshfield, Missouri; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held Friday, August 16, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at Lebanon First Assembly of God. Visitation will occur from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. before the Memorial service. Burial will be in Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood at a later date.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight of the Ozarks or Convoy of Hope. They may be left in the care of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 85, Marshfield, MO 65706.