On Friday April 16 2021, a month from his 98th birthday, the long life of Robert William Speers came to a quiet end in the arms of his youngest grand daughter, Samantha Jordan.
Also ministering to him were his daughter, Deanna Speers and grand daughter Anastasia Kilpatrick.
He leaves behind 2 daughters, 5 grand children, 6 great grand children
.
In the face of this loss Robert's family extends heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to each person who has played a role in his life. Especially dear to Robert were the friends he had made in the 508th. There once a year for decades he was surrounded by a
camaraderie he could find no where else. All of his family members were enriched sharing in that fellowship with him.
Thanks to each of you for what you shared with.
U.S. Veteran Robert W. Speers, 97, resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021. He was born Saturday, May 19, 1923 in Owasso, California to Lavern Speers and Ximena (Lighthill) Speers. Robert served as a captain in the United States Army.
No services scheduled.
[GARY KELLEY’S ADD’VANTAGE FUNERAL SERVICE
9761 East 31st Street
Tulsa, OK 74146] |
Retired Captain Robert Speers will receive full military honors at the Fort Smith National Cemetery at 1 p.m., May 19th.
Following services at the Pavilion his ashes will be interred with the remains of his wife Ruth.
This veteran of World War II will be remembered by many for his enthusiastic and well enjoyed participation in the 508 PIR Association. He served on the board of directors and three times
as president.
Robert leaves behind two children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Bob's military decoration include:
U.S. Army Awards
Bronze Star Medal
Army Commendation Medal,
American Defense Medal,
European-African-Middle-Eastern
Campaign Medal with
Invasion Arrowhead
and four Campaign Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Parachutist Badge with two
combat jump stars
Combat Infantry Badge (CIB)
Foreign Awards
French Croix de Guerre avec Étoile
French Legion d'Honneur
French Fourragére
Belgium Fourragére
Netherlands Military Willems Orde Degree
of Knight (Dutch Orange Lanyard)
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Bob registered for the draft in Owosso (Shiawassee
county), Michigan and was inducted into the Army at Fort Custer, MI on 29
October 1942.He volunteered for parachutist duty and was transferred to
Camp Blanding, FL where the 508th PIR had just been activated. He was
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 81mm Mortar Platoon and remained in that
platoon throughout the war.Cpl Speers was injured in some manner during the Tennessee
Maneuvers and was sent to the hospital at Camp Forrest, TN on 29 September
1943. He remained there until 4 November.He was promoted to Sgt on 17 August 1944 and was raised to
SSgt while the regiment was in Frankfurt, Germany.
TSgt Speers re-enlisted on 10 November 1945.and received a
bonus of 90 days furlough and was placed on TDY with the 6903rd
Reinforcement Battalion, Le Havre, France to secure passage back to the U.S.
Bob was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in 1950.
On 9 July 1959 1st Lt Speers arrived at Idlewild Airport,
New York, NY from Rhein-Main, Germany aboard a Trans Ocean flight with his
wife and three daughters (lines 23 thru 27).
Captain Speers retired from the Army on 11 January 1962.
Click here for a link to Bob's biographic memorial |
