Wayne E. Speck

Wayne E. Speck, age 90 years, a resident of rural Golconda, Illinois (the Brownfield Community), passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, November 7, 2025, at 7:30 A.M. at his home. Wayne was born September 27, 1935 in Pope County Illinois. He was the son of William Orval Speck and Hannah Mae (Seibold) Speck. On August 24, 1974, Wayne was united in marriage to Betty K. Wright at the Simpson Baptist Church. Together, Wayne and Betty shared over 50 years of marriage prior to her passing on December 27, 2024. Wayne is survived by: a daughter – Carolyn Mount of Vienna; grandchildren – Heath (Christy) Gorden of Benton, Illinois and Misty (B.J.) Barger of Vienna; great grandchildren – Madison (Wyatt) Bridger of Edwardsville and Collin (Grace) Miller of Benton; a sister – Mary King; a niece – Debbie Wallace and a nephew – Steve (Felicia) King all of Elgin. Wayne also leaves a host of friends, neighbors and his church family. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Wayne was preceded in death by: a son-in-law – Jerry Mount and a brother-in-law – Carlos King. Wayne received his education in the Pope County School System. In 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably until his discharge in 1960. Wayne would joke that while he served in the Army, he spent most of his military career on a ship, being part of an equipment and supplies transport company to military facilities in the country of Greenland. Wayne was employed for 35 years at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center. He worked as a forestry technician in the Department of Forestry at the facility. Wayne was also a lifelong farmer and had a tremendous love for the land and farming. He enjoyed tractor restoration projects and had completely restored one of his father’s vintage tractors. Wayne also enjoyed attending tractor shows and occasionally would enter one of his restored tractors. Many remember Wayne’s insatiable “sweet tooth” and his love for ice cream. Wayne was very involved in his community and was a member of a number of organizations, including the Pope County Farm Bureau, where he had served on the board of directors, and was a 67 year member of New Columbia Masonic Lodge # 336 A.F. & A.M. Wayne was a devoted member of the Glendale United Methodist Church. Wayne is particularly remembered for his kind and gentle spirit. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. Wayne was a faithful husband and tenderly cared for his wife, Betty, during her illness in her final years. During her two year stay in a nursing care facility, prior to her passing, Wayne spent every day visiting with her. A Service honoring the life of Wayne Speck will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, November 11, 2025, at 2 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. The service will begin with Masonic Rites accorded by the New Columbia Masonic Lodge # 336. The funeral service will immediately follow. Pastor David Wright will officiate. Interment will be in the Metropolis Memorial Gardens. Military graveside honors will be accorded by the Metropolis American Legion Post # 306 and the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 of Vienna. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 12 Noon until the funeral hour at 2 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Glendale United Methodist Church, c/o Charlotte Benard, 45 Cedar Grove Road, Simpson, Illinois 62985 or to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, 251 18th Street South, Suite 630, Arlington, Virginia 22202.

Wayne E. Speck

September 27, 1935 - November 7, 2025