Robert George SPECK

SPECK Robert George Respected journalist, Robert George Speck, died Sunday, December 6, 2009, in his Toledo home at the age of 86. Mr. Speck, a native of Pemberville, was a writer and member of the editorial staff at the Toledo Blade for 43 years. He began his reporting career covering communities throughout the region, and then worked his way up to the editorial desk. Mr. Speck retired in 1991 at the age of 68. He was a member of the Newspaper Guild from 1947 until retiring. Mr. Speck was also a correspondent for Women's Wear Daily. After retiring, he was a member of the Old Geezers Retired Blade Employees Club. He remained committed to quality journalism and supported a journalism scholarship at Bowling Green State University, where he graduated in 1947. Mr. Speck was born in Pemberville on March 16, 1923 to Clayton and Ruth Speck. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Force and was assigned to the military band, playing trumpet for the 371st in the Pacific region. He later served in India for one year. After returning home, he married Carol Carpenter Oberhouse in 1946. The Specks were strong supporters of the arts. Mr. Speck was a member of the President's Council at the Toledo Museum of Art, where he was a frequent patron. The couple were also supporters of the Toledo Zoo. Mr. Speck was a member of the Monroe Street United Methodist Church in Toledo for 60 years, where he served on the church foundation board and was chairman of the church trustees. In addition to staying abreast of current events by reading, Mr. Speck was also committed to physical fitness. Up until this past summer, he walked three miles every morning and rode bicycle every afternoon. Surviving are his two daughters, Diane Avila and Barbara Hart, both of Melbourne, FL; grandchildren, Joe and Tina Avila, and Allison Hart, both of Melbourne Beach, FL; great-grandson, Kane Avila, Melbourne Beach, FL; and brother and sister-in-law, Ruel and Barbara Speck, Bend, OR. He is also survived by Cindy Powers, who faithfully cared for him during his illness. He was preceded by his wife, Carol, in 2001. A memorial service will be held January 8, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. from the Monroe Street United Methodist Church, Toledo, OH. A luncheon will be served following the memorial service at Riverview Banquet Center in Pemberville, OH. Arrangements are being handled by the Marsh Funeral Home, Pemberville, OH. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or to his church. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at: www.marshfuneralhomes.com