Robert "Bob" Speas, age 82, of Louisville, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2016. Bob was born to Dorothy Speas Robinson and Robert Louis Speas, Sr. in Charleston, West Virginia on May 31, 1934. He was married to his love and soulmate, Jo Ann (Lowther) Speas, for 58 years. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a retired Elevator Construction Adjuster, and a member of Southeast Christian Church. He enjoyed camping, boating, and trick water skiing. He was particularly gifted at building and racing speed boats, and later building and showing street rods. He was known for being a “crazy genius with an engine” — he could truly fix anything. Bob adored his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; he will be remembered as a strong man who knew how to love and lead his family. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Jan Lynn Speas Veal; his parents; and his maternal grandparents, Phillip and Tressie Reynolds.

Bob is survived by his wife Jo Ann; three daughters, Becky Murphy (Wendell), Mary Ann Halloway (Tony), and Jennifer Stoutt (Van); twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren; as well as two brothers, Mark Speas (Judy) and John Speas (Becky); and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be 2-8pm on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 235 Juneau Drive in Middletown, and from 9-10:45am Friday, July 1st in the Fireside Room at Southeast Christian Church. Funeral ceremony will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway Louisville, KY 40243, with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Compassion International at www.compassion.com.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Dale Haller and Ruth, Laura Beth, and all the compassionate staff of Baptist East Palliative Care.

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