Ronnie J. Speidel, 73, of Cape Girardeau died May 14, 2025. Mr. Speidel was a 1970 De Soto School District graduate. In 1974, he earned a degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and played football. In 1976, he graduated from the St. Louis Police Academy and served Jefferson County for nearly 30 years. He worked as a deputy sheriff and was the county’s first canine handler and trainer. He also taught for several years at the Jefferson County Police Academy. His last position was serving as Chief of Police for De Soto.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife and camping in their Airstream. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fly fishing. He was known as a critical thinker and enjoyed playing chess and reading. He enjoyed 10 bonus years after being diagnosed with and surviving cancer through participation in a clinical trial of immunotherapy, and was dedicated to educating patients about its benefits. He was happy to meet Dr. Jim Allison, the doctor responsible for developing the drug that gave him those bonus years. He also extended his thanks to Dr. J.J. Gao of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the doctors and medical team at St. Francis Medical Center for their care. Born Jan. 9, 1952, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Clinton and Mayme Speidel
He is survived by his wife of 38 years: Brenda (Howe) Speidel, whom he married in 1987; a brother-in-law: Michael (Sherrie); two nieces: Laura (Tommy) Gamble and Lindsey Deerfield; a sister-in-law: Cheryl (Chip) Camp; a great-niece and great-nephew: Vera and Oliver; several cousins; and numerous friends in his Airstream community.
He was preceded in death by a sister.
Services will be private. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or MD Anderson James P. Allison Institute at gifts.mdanderson.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Ford and Sons Funeral Home-Mt. Auburn in Cape Girardeau.