Roscoe Larsen Speer

Roscoe Larsen Speer, 78, of 683 Speer Road, Cooperstown, passed away at 7:40 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at UPMC Northwest in Seneca following a lengthy illness. Born July 20, 1930, in Oakland Township, he was the son of the late Warren A. Speer and Marie C. Larsen. He was married Nov. 17, 1949, at the parsonage of Dempseytown Evangelical United Brethren Church by the Rev. P.L. Griffin to the former Anna Mae Pritchard, who survives. The couple celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary last fall. He was a 1948 graduate of Oil City High School. Mr. Speer retired from Joy Manufacturing in 1992 after more than 36 years as a machinist. He was also part-owner of Speer Bros. Store in Dempseytown with his brother, Bill, from 1950-1955. Mr. Speer was a member of Oakland United Methodist Church in Dempseytown where he served in various positions and sang in the church choir all his life. He enjoyed farming and hunting. Mr. Speer was a member of Rouseville Lodge 483, Valley of Oil City Lodge and the Scottish Rite of New Castle (32nd Degree). He was an Oakland Township supervisor for 42 years, president of the Venango County Township Supervisors Association for 11 years, a member of Oakland Volunteer Fire Department and a member of Oakland Grange. In addition to his wife, Mr. Speer is survived by three children, Glenn Speer and his wife, Joyce, of Franklin, Cindy Weber and her husband, Jack, of Franklin, and Margaret McAlevy and her husband, Ed, of Franklin; six grandchildren, Chris Weber and his wife, Terri, of Cooperstown, Jason Weber of Pittsburgh, Ashley Kerschner of Franklin, Colleen Speer of Franklin, Heather Speer of Franklin and Erick Speer of Franklin; and three great-grandchildren, Brianna Weber of Cooperstown, Logan Kerschner of Franklin and Ashlyn Tucker of Franklin. He is also survived by a sister, Ruth Martin of Erie; two sisters-in-law, Doris Speer and Mary Persign; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Speer was preceded in death by a brother, William J. Speer; twin sons, Warren and Orrin Speer; and a grandson, Joshua Speer. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Oakland United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Roberts of Sharon First United Methodist Church, assisted by the Rev. Edward Clark, interim pastor of Oakland United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Franklin Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to Oakland United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society, 1431 Route 428, Oil City, 16301. Online condolences may be sent to www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.