Bob Speake obit

Bob Speake

August 22, 1930 — October 3, 2024

Topeka, Kansas

He was not on the list.

Bob C. Speake passed away peacefully in his sleep at 94 years old on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka, KS. Bob was born August 22, 1930, in Springfield, MO where he met and married Joan, his high school sweetheart, in September 1950, recently celebrating their 74th wedding anniversary.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents James and Hazel Speake, his brother Jim (Terri) Speake; sister Pat (Roy) Harrel, daughter-in-law Elaine Speake.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan Speake, his brother Jack (Eleanor) Speake; sons Dr. Bruce (Rosie) Speake, Bob Speake, Jim (Peggy) Speake, his 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Drafted out of high school, Bob played several years of minor league baseball with fond memories in the KOM (Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri) League as well as the Pacific Coast League celebrating a Championship in 1956. Finishing his career with 4 years in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants. His baseball was interrupted when he proudly served in the armed forces during the Korean war from 1951 to 1953.

In the minors he played with the Sioux Falls Canaries, Carthage Cubs, Springfield Cubs, Des Moines Bruins, Nashville Volunteers, Los Angeles Angels, and the Phoenix Giants.

In 1965, he moved his family to Topeka, KS to help start American Investors Life Insurance Company. His passions were his faith, as an active member of Fellowship Bible Church, his family and watching his children and grandchildren participating in sports and school activities. In retirement he took up wood carving and enjoyed his membership in the Kaw Valley Woodcarvers Club. In his later years, he enjoyed sitting in his sunroom watching the birds at his feeders and perfected the art of napping.

The family attended the immediate burial together. A “life celebration” will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers Bob would like to have donations made to the following charities.