Skip Speers

Charles "Skip" Robert Speers, 77, passed peacefully from this earth into the arms of Jesus on December 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a five-month, hard-fought battle to recover from two major cervical surgeries.
The most important decision Skip ever made came in July 2025 when he committed his life to following Jesus Christ. His transformation was immediate and profound. He became a dynamic witness to hospital personnel and to anyone willing to listen. Though always a kind and good man, he had never before accepted the free gift of salvation offered by God through His Son, Jesus. Knowing how deeply Skip's life was changed gives his family great comfort-assurance that he is now whole and joyful in heaven, and that they will be reunited again. They look forward to that day with hope!
Skip, a nickname lovingly given to him by his mother, was born on June 10, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Robert Charles and Doris (Hart) Speers. He was the eldest of four children: Scott T., Stephen Hart, and Victoria Starr. The family later relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where Skip spent his childhood. He loved sports, adventure, and time with friends. A talented athlete, he earned multiple awards in diving-including being named a Central Pennsylvania Diving Champion-served as co-captain of the football team, and competed in javelin at Susquehanna Township High School, graduating in 1966.
He continued playing football at Kutztown State College, where he met a cheerleader named Elaine Maurer. The two quickly became inseparable and were married on November 28, 1969, in Easton, Pennsylvania. They were blessed with their precious daughter, Jennifer Lynn, born August 5, 1972, in Philadelphia.
In 1974, Skip was transferred to the Kansas City, Missouri area. Though both he and Elaine held teaching degrees, Skip discovered a natural gift for sales and went on to build a successful career selling industrial products.
In 1978, Skip and Elaine built their current home on six acres in rural Lawson, Missouri, where he embraced the life of a "gentleman farmer." He raised cattle, chickens, and even a flock of turkeys-who managed to drown themselves in a rainstorm. Loving rural life, Skip purchased 40 additional acres in March 1986, affectionately dubbing it "The Land," and expanded it with an adjacent 32 acres in 1990. That same year, he constructed a 12' x 16' elevated hunting hut with windows and a wood-burning stove, calling it The Hut. In 1999, he expanded it to include sleeping quarters and a kitchen and dining area, proudly renaming it The Hutel.
When his daughter married Steve Whitlow in 1991, Skip gained not just a son-in-law but a son. Jennifer and Steve later blessed him with four grandchildren-Luke Andrew, Logan Robert, Kemper David, and Journey Laine-each of whom Skip adored. He was a deeply involved grandpa, faithfully showing up to support them at every event he could.
Some of Skip's favorite memories were made at The Land, especially while spending time with his grandchildren. He taught them how to chop wood with an ax and search for deer sheds, and several shot their first deer there. Many birthday parties were spent at The Land, complete with airsoft wars, target-shooting contests, wiener roasts, and s'mores around the fire. Skip delighted in pulling squealing kids behind the four-wheeler on the "Rocket Sled" he fashioned from a large conveyor belt. He even carved out four-wheeler trails and named one after each grandchild.
Skip never knew a stranger. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life and make each person feel like the most important one in the room. He treasured his many friendships and loved spending time with friends on hunting and fishing adventures. He always made time for the people he loved, doing the things he loved.
After retiring, Skip spent countless hours at The Land-cutting down trees, chopping firewood, brush-hogging, planting crops for wildlife, and simply enjoying the beauty of nature. He loved sharing The Land with others and especially enjoyed taking newcomers down the aptly named Heart Attack Hill in "Big Bertha," his beat-up old truck. A cherished tradition was the annual gathering at The Hutel the night before opening day of Missouri's deer season, where Skip served his homemade deer stew to friends and family.
Skip adored his wife of 56 years, Elaine, often referring to her as his "Trophy Wife," much to her embarrassment. Together they enjoyed spending time with family, cheering on their Chiefs, and traveling. They visited many places over the years-frequently returning to Pennsylvania to see loved ones-but their favorite destination was Florida, where they spent a couple months each year. They loved the beach, sunrise fishing trips using Skip's homemade fishing cart, watching sunsets, making lifelong friends, and especially spending time with family members who lived there. Their favorite time in Florida was when the Whitlows vacationed with them.
Skip was blessed to witness the marriages of his three grandsons-Luke to Mary Eby in 2017, Logan to Alexis Headrick in 2021, and Kemper to Sadie Helms in 2025. He loved his granddaughters-in-law dearly and considered them wonderful additions to the family. His joy grew even fuller with the arrival of three great-grandsons-Branlin Speers (5), Waylon Roger (3), and Truett Timothy (5 months)-born to Luke and Mary. These little boys adored their Great-Grandpa Skip and filled his life with immense happiness.
Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Doris; his brother, Scott; his sister, Vicki, his grandparents, and multiple aunts and uncles.
Skip will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him!