Gordon R. Speck

Gordon R.  Speck, 81, of Waterloo, IL, died October 10, 2016, in Waterloo, IL. He was born February 22, 1935, in Cairo, IL.

    He is survived by his wife Gelea Speck nee Karraker; children Blaze (Rhonda) Morris, Kelly (Rick) Shilliday, Robin (Clay) Siedle, Tracey Morris, Lance (Mary) Morris, Candace (Karl) Buckman, & Shaleen (Kevin) Grabill; grandchildren Aubrey (Sean) O'Riley, Kayla (David) Keeney, Jacob Morris, Coley (Jeff) Hoffmann, Austin Morris, Sophie Morris, & Zach and Isaac Buckman; great grandchildren & nephew Van (Darrean) Trimble.

    He is preceded in death by his parents Martin & Grace (nee Bogle) Speck & his sister Sandra Trimble.

    Gordon grew up in Cairo, IL a life-long friend of his future wife, Gelea. They graduated from Cairo High together in 1953. During the Korean Conflict, Gordon served in the Air Force doing intelligence work in Poland. After service, he attended the University of Missouri on the GI Bill and earned a degree in English.  An avid collector of books, he was a a 30 year member of The Baker Street Irregulars a by invitation only international society of some 300 members studying and promoting the stories of Sherlock Holmes. Gordon was also a past associate editor of the Baker Street Journal. He belonged to The Occupants of the Empty House, Parallel Case, The Handsomes of John Clayton, and The Noble Bachelors - all area Sherlock Holmes societies.  Together, Gordon and Gelea spent summers traveling and enjoyed trips to Europe, Asia, South America and most of the United States. 

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: 
Donor's Choice

Memorial Visitation:
    4 PM to 8 PM Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Quernheim Funeral Home
    10 AM until 11 AM Friday 

Memorial Service:
    11 AM Friday, October 14, 2016 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
        Pastor Merlyn Lawrence officiating.