Donald R. Speck, 66, of Festus died Dec. 25, 2019, in Festus. Mr. Speck had earned a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri in Columbia. As a mechanical engineer for Ralston-Purina for more than 40 years, he obtained several patents for his design of manufacturing equipment. Born June 12, 1953, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Ruth Elinor (Haber) and Roland Gustav Speck.
He is survived by his wife: Patricia Ann (Bonebrake) Speck of Festus; two children: Christopher Donald (Candace) Speck of De Soto and Katherine Patricia (David) Sandidge of Pevely; a sister: Doris Powell of Euclid, Ohio; and six grandchildren: Gavin, Aimee, Thomas, Cayden, Nolan and Rylan.
A funeral service was held Dec. 29 at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto, officiated by Pastor Dan Gubitz. Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Arrangements were under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.