GEORGE T. SPEER
May 22, 1930 - Dec. 30, 2014
George is a 1949 graduate of Calexico High School. He was an Eagle Scout and a force to reckon with on the football field. He attended IVC and San Diego State. His academic career was cut short when he joined the US Air Force to serve as an Avionics Specialist on the B47 and B52 in the Korean War. He's the proud father of 7 children, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
After retiring from Seaboard & Avco Finance, he owned and operated Speer Insurance, then partnered to become Thomas & Speer until 2012. George was a member of Brawley and El Centro Lions Clubs for 66 years and served as President of both. He was a member of the American Legion, Brawley Post 60 for 51 years and was Legion Commander. He was American Legion 40 & 8 Chef De Gare, a member of the American Legion Past Commanders' Club and American Legion Veteran of Foreign Wars. He founded the American Legion post on the Quechan Indian Reservation in Yuma. He was a member of the Brawley Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer El Centro Peace Officer, and served 40 years on the Brawley Housing Authority Board. George was a social reveler and avid outdoorsman who loved camping, fishing and hunting. He volunteered at youth camps and taught Hunter's Safety. He was a staple in the Cattle Call Rodeo parade and behind the grill at the Chuck Wagon Breakfast.
George acted as advisor to his brother Leonard during his runs for Imperial County Sheriff and was active in Jerry Brown's first bid for governor. He hosted exchange students and athletes over the years: high school student from Thailand, law students from South America, and a starting lineup of Anaheim baseball players. George was a sports fanatic who was either in the stands, on the field, or listening to Vin Scully call a Dodger game. But he knew no greater competitors than his own children and never missed an opportunity to watch them play, cheer, dance, perform or swim. He was a lover of life and will be deeply missed.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Aurora; father, George; sister, Edna, and his brothers, Eddie and Leonard.
He is survived by his brother, Danny Speer of Escondido; his children, Shirley, Vicki and George Speer of Oceanside, Sheri Lawrence of Palos Verdes Estates, Alan and Stuart Speer and Michelle Caldwell of Monterey.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 6 p.m with rosary at 7 p.m., at Hems Brothers Mortuary in Calexico. Service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Calexico. A Military burial will immediately follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Calexico.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by His Loving Family, The Speer's, Caldwell's and Lawrence's.
You were always a kind & caring man George! I always remembered your beautiful smile & kind words to me. We will see you in Heaven George when our journey here on earth is finished. Love, Bette & Eddie Reyes
January 23, 2015
Our dearest primo/nephew, George (& Family): On behalf of Tio Javier, Javy and all the Mezta family we wish you Godspeed in your final journey to heaven to once again be with Tia Aurora, cousins Eddy, Leonard, Edna, Violet and so many others. Your smile, laughter, handshakes and hugs are fond memories as we grew up in Calexico. God bless you and much love to you and the entire family. Condolences to cousin Danny and other family members.
Frank (Javier) Mezta Family
January 14, 2015
We didnt always see eye to eye while i was a "know it all teen" but as i got older and reflected back i appreciated everything you did for me and all you taught me george. And im so glad that one of the last times i saw you i got to tell you how thanful i was for all the great things u did for me as i matured from kid to a young man. Love ya george RIP
danny gibson
January 13, 2015
So sorry to hear of the passing of George; he was always so helpful and a great boss at the insurance company. My condolences to the family.
Lavina Brandsma
January 13, 2015
My Deepest Heartfelt Condolences to the Speer Families. Mr. Speer was such a Wonderful Friend, Gentleman & made me laugh so much...will never ever forget him...May Our Lord Guide Us all thru this difficult time in the Loss of such A Great Man..
Mary Lou Manning
January 12, 2015
My condolences and respect to Edna and the Speer Families. May he RIP.
Arlene Ochoa
January 12, 2015
Visits with George at the American Legion were always pleasant, he was a kindhearted person. Lord comfort his family...
Marcie Barker
January 12, 2015
Prayers for the Speer family,George was a friend to many and a community minded person. My husband Fernando worked for George at AVCO and was a wonderful friend to both of us. God Bless U, George and peace to your family during this time.
Loli Torres
January 11, 2015
A special soul, Lion George! "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," Your friend, Lion Gene Hill
Rev. Gene Hill
January 11, 2015
RIP Granpa George i love you ?
Robin Speer
January 11, 2015
George. . My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am sorry for your loss
Julia Wms
January 10, 2015
A close friend and associate during the 60s. Farewell, my friend.
Harlan Lee
January 10, 2015
Alan, Stuart, Sheri I am so sorry to hear about your dads passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Mea
Martha Alcantar
January 10, 2015
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