Harlan B. Speegle

Harlan B. Speegle, after a short illness, was reunited in Heaven with the love of his life, Virginia Lee Speegle, on October 27, 2007. Harlan was best known for serving chicken and biscuits at Oklahoma City's legendary Shipman's cafes, which he owned and operated from 1959 to 1988. Harlan, who was never short of a genuine smile and full of Southern graciousness, was quick to make every customer - and employee - a friend. At twelve years old, Harlan left Hugo, Oklahomaand his paper route-and moved to Oklahoma City. It was then he met Virginia Lee Shipman, whom he fell instantly in love with and married eight years later. Harlan and Virginia had four sons, Tommie, Harlan, Jr., Steve, and Randy; and four grandchildren, Jessica, Zachary, Brittani, and Jacob. They were truly the light of his world. The grandchildren fondly remember Papa for his special sandwiches, ice cream cones, checkers, and dollars. Before he married Virginia in 1947, he chose to put his high school graduation on hold to serve his country in the Navy during WWII, where he was stationed in the Philippines. Soon after his discharge, he received his high school diploma, which was a priority before proposing marriage to Virginia. He then went to work for Capitol Steel as a draftsman until 1959. Harlan was an active member of the South Oklahoma City and Capitol Hill Community where he was always eager to give back. His church home was Calvary Temple Assembly of God where he and his family were active members for many years. Harlan was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Virginia; his mother, Janie; son, Tommie; mother and father-in-law, Jewel and F.C. Shipman; brother and sister-in-law, Vaughn and Venita Knight; and great-nephew, Bryan Knight. He is survived by his son, Harlan, Jr.; son, Steve and his wife Darlene; son, Randy and his wife Leisa; grandchildren, Jessica, Zachary, Brittani, and Jacob; niece, Sharon Howard and her husband Karl; nephew, V.C. Knight and his wife Toni; nephew, Ronnie Knight and his wife Teresa; great-nieces and nephews, Justin Howard, Jordan Howard, Jarred Howard, John Knight, Carrie Rose Knight, and Whitney Knight; godson, Michael Hopper and his wife D'Lisa; and Harlan's many cousins and friends, including R.C. and Mary Lou Taylor, and Ted and Aloma York. The family will receive guests on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, at Vondel Smith & Son Mortuary at South Lakes from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Vondel Smith & Son Mortuary at South Lakes, 4000 SW 119th St., Wednesday, October 31, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. Harlan will be laid to rest following services next to his wife, Virginia, at Resthaven Memory Gardens. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Heartland Hospice of Norman and Healthcare Innovations Private Services.