Earl “John” Speelman, age 90, of Morenci, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Assisted Living, on Friday, April 25, 2025, under the care of Gentiva Hospice. John was born in Morenci on May 29, 1934 to the late Mildred F. (Metcalf) Speelman and was a lifelong resident. In 1951, he entered the United States Navy and was active until 1955. On March 24, 1956, he married Shirley F. Simpkins, and she preceded him in death on May 11, 2022.
John worked for many years at American Chain and Cable in Adrian, retiring in 1988. During his free time, he enjoyed rabbit and pheasant hunting with his son Ken and brother Wade, fishing for suckers and carp and ice fishing with Shirley during the winter months. Hanging out with his brothers and riding his bike around Morenci were two of his other favorite pastimes.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Ken (Jackie) Speelman and Cindy (Steve) Crowell; grandchildren, Stacy (Stephen) Fiddie, Justin (Dawn) Crowell, Jessica (Greg) Negrete, Kayla Speelman, KC Speelman, and Shane (Kayla) Speelman; nine great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Marilyn Bryant. Along with his mother and his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Clint Crowell; brothers, Arthur, Gerald, and Wade Speelman; and sisters, Ella Mae Barnhart, Juanita Shoemaker, Flora Montague, Florence Lane, and Betty Pfund.
Graveside services will be private with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Morenci.
Words of comfort to the family may be offered at www.eaglemarryfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations in John’s memory may be given to Gentiva Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association. The Eagle-Marry Funeral Home in Morenci is assisting the family with arrangements.