Marvin J. Speier

Marvin John Speier passed away on May 30, 2018 at the McCrite Plaza.  He was born in Hays, Kansas on September 11, 1928. He is the son of John and Monica (Dechant) Speier. He was married to Barbara Diehl Speier May 30, 1952. She preceded him in death January 18, 1993. He was married to Mary Darleen Urbaczka Shaver on April 16, 1994 who predeceased him on November 22, 2017. He is survived by five children, Gerald M. (Rose)  Speier  of Topeka, Kansas, Cynthia M. Speier (Rick) McIntyre of Newtown, Connecticut, James R. (Kathy) Speier of Berryton, Kansas, Steven A. (Sheryl) Speier of Topeka, Kansas, and Bruce T. Speier of Valley Falls, Kansas, and three grandchildren, Brandon McIntyre, Alyssa McIntyre, and Aaron Speier.  He was also predeceased by his sister, Alvera A. Brown and his parents.

Mr. Speier attended school at St. Joseph Grade School in Hays, Kansas and then graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy (now known as Thomas More Prep) in 1946. He received an A.B. degree in History, graduating from Ft. Hays State University in 1958. This was followed by post graduate work at Kansas State University and Emporia State University.

Mr. Speier entered the field of education in 1948 at Pleasant Ridge School in Severin, Kansas. This was followed by a tour in the Army in 1950 to 1953. During his military career, he attended various Army schools concerning military science and tactics. He received a commission as an officer from Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia in May of 1952, having served in various military units and capacities in Fort Hood, Texas, Camp Roberts, California, and Fort Ord, California. In 1952, he served as Company Executive Officer 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in Hokkaido, Japan and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in October of 1953, and resumed his teaching career at Glasco, Kansas and Horton, Kansas finishing his 32 years teaching career at Topeka, having taught at Crane Jr. High, Capper Junior High, and Topeka West High School.

Over the years, Mr. Speier was involved in many businesses, The House of Clocks which he owned and operated for 23 years and he also owned Timberline Unfinished Furniture. He was also involved in farming, real estate, and other enterprises.

Mr. Speier enjoyed extensive travels abroad. He and Darleen spent over twenty years wintering in Sun City, Arizona.

He is a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas and has a membership in the Knights of Columbus, being a Charter Member of Council No. 8411 at Christ the King Catholic Church, and the Fourth Degree Assembly of the K of C, lifetime member of the National Education Association, and the Lions and Moose Clubs. He was founder and Scout Master of Troop 111 in Hays, Kansas.

Marvin was a KU Jayhawk, KC Royals and KC Chiefs fan.  He enjoyed golfing, remodeling, construction, and keeping up on military affairs.

Marvin will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Monday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. followed by a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Chalice Ceremony.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church.  Interment will follow with  full military honors at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Thomas More Prep High School in Hays, Kansas or Christ the King Catholic Church and sent in the care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home. 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66603. To leave online condolences or fond memories, please visit www.brennanmathenafh.com