Albert M. Speaks

Albert M. Speaks, 77, of Kirksville, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2019, at his home. The son of Gail O. and Mildred P. (Cross) Speaks, he was born January 18, 1942, in Novinger, Missouri. On March 31, 1962, in Shawneetown, Illinois, he was united in marriage to Anna L. Babb. Albert attended Kirksville Schools and received his GED while in the service. He served in the United States Army, 101st Airborne from April 7, 1959, until his honorable discharge on May 2, 1962. He returned to Kirksville and worked for Built-Rite and then Guys Potato Chips until 1966, when he joined the Pipefitter's Union Local 562. He worked as a union pipefitter and welded until he retired in 2004. He was a member of the Pipefitter's Union, Adair Lodge #366 A.F. & A.M., and NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society). He loved his family and working on old cars. Albert is survived by his wife, Anna; two sons, Breton A. Speaks and wife Ida of Fulton, Mo. and Anthony D. Speaks and wife Dawnetta of LaPlata, Mo.; one daughter, Tina A. O'Rourke and husband Bill of Fulton, Mo.; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one brother, Michael Speaks of Kirksville; and one sister, Gailene Baker of Kirksville. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Dixie Penicaro; one brother, Clell Speaks and one great- grandson, Shane Ridinger. Visitation and was held December 9, and the funeral service was held December 10, at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home with Larry Speaks officiating. Burial with military rites was at Park View Memorial Gardens.