Donald Wayne Speer

Posted

November 29, 1938 – January 11, 2025

Donald Wayne Speer, age 86 of Harrisonville, MO was welcomed into Heaven peacefully with his family by his side on January 11, 2025, at his home. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Donald (Don) was born on November 29, 1938, in Booneville, Arkansas, son of Lee and Lillian (Cole) Speer. During his childhood, Don’s family lived in several places and settled in Peculiar, MO. He graduated from Peculiar High School in 1957. 

Don married Matilda Brewster on December 6, 1958, and they made their home in Harrisonville where they raised their 3 children, Kenny, Kris and Karla until Matilda’s passing on January 25, 1998. He married Patricia (Pat) Shanks in March 2004 and gained a daughter, Patrese. Don and Pat made many precious memories during their marriage and enjoyed living in their Harrisonville home and Warsaw lake cabin. 

Don served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1962. He worked at Western Electric/AT&T from 1960 to 1990 until he retired after 30 years of service. While at Western Electric/AT&T, and after his retirement, Don also enjoyed making custom cabinets, building homes and raising cattle on his farm. He was known for his kindness, strong work ethic and the joy he brought to people around him. He loved spending time watching his children and grandchildren participating in sporting and school activities. 

Don was a devout Christian and member of the Freeman Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Lillian Speer; wife, Matilda Speer; brothers, Shannon Speer and Harrel Speer; and son, Kris Speer.

Don is survived by his devoted wife, Pat Shanks, of the home; siblings, Coleene Debrot, Raymore, MO, Joetta Fraser, Gun Barrel City, TX, and Denny (Peggy) Speer, Belton, MO; son, Kenny Speer and wife Brenda, of Harrisonville; daughter, Karla Jones and husband Jim, of Harrisonville; daughter, Patrese Shanks and partner Dylan Morgan, of Kansas City, MO; daughter-in-law, Margaret Speer, of Raymore; grandchildren, Chad (Karla) Speer, Brandon (Brandy) Speer, Ashley Milburn, Josh (Sam) Speer, Steven (Anne) Jones and Austin (Megan) Speer; 17 great-grandchildren, Alyssa Speer, Gavin Speer, Clinton Coones, Aron Jones, Piper Coones, Hunter Jones, Kenzie Coones, Dawson Jones, Morgan Speer, Macie Speer, Kyson Speer, Lane Speer, Kyler Speer, Hayden Speer, Raegan Jones, Ellis Speer and Maverick Speer; father-in-law, Louis Coleman; brother-in-law, Roy Brewster; and many other family members, friends and neighbors.