Phillip B. Speer

Colonel Phillip B. Speer made his transition on June 17, 2011 in the loving hands of a dozen close family members. Phil was born the youngest of 15 children on January 31, 1927 in Deering, MO to Dr. Asier Jacob and Bertha Speer. Prior to graduating high school, Phil was drafted into the Army toward the end of WWII. After completing military duty, he followed his eldest brother, French, to Tucson, AZ to complete high school and subsequently attend the U of A where he earned a degree in Sociology and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Army. It was in Tucson that Phil met and married the love of his life, Sylvia Petersen, in 1948. Together they built a life and family that includes five children, ten grandchildren and 12 (and counting) great-grandchildren. Pursuing a dual track career, Phil was President and with Sylvia owned a successful wholesale school supply and drugstore sundry company. At the same time, Phil worked and studied diligently in the Army Reserves, earning military Masters Degrees and rising in rank to that of "Full Bird" Colonel. In November of 1979 he was called to active duty at the Pentagon, working directly for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was later appointed Reserve Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff for ROTC and during this tour earned a civilian Masters Degree in Human Resource Development from George Washington University. Col. Speer retired from active duty in May of 1982 with the Army band and dignitaries present in his honor at an outdoor celebration on the Chesapeake Bay. His outstanding military service was punctuated by the prestigious Legion of Merit Medal and Bar. In retirement, Phil's fertile mind conceived several entrepreneurial projects which he pursued passionately. As well he approached the U of A to create a seniors' curriculum and subsequently cofounded SAGE, U of A's extended university program devoted solely to seniors. Phil lived his entire life serving others. He was kindness, generosity, gentleness and strength personified. One never stops missing a man like Phil Speer. Please help us celebrate his life on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 12:00 noon at the Unity Church of Phoenix, 1500 East Greenway Parkway, followed by a brief, 30-minute graveside service including full military honors at 2:30 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of AZ, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. Arrangements by FAMILY BURIAL AND CREMATION.