Obituaries

Richard "Dick" Speelmon (75)

The “Big Dude” was born in Sutherland, Utah, on April 3, 1941. Richard Lawrence “Dick” Speelmon grew up in Utah and on a farm in Idaho and moved to California at age 18. He attended mortuary school in San Francisco, and he then moved to the Fresno area for work.

Dick enlisted in The Air National Guard in 1963. Dick married his bride Frances Haire on July 25, 1964. They were blessed with four children through the years. Dick became a Madera resident and began working as a Funeral Director at Jay Chapel in 1967, and he became a co-owner and Vice President in 1973 where he remained until the sale of the business this year, 2016.

Dick was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Madera 1st Ward. He was a member of the Exchange Club of Madera for many years. He also enjoyed serving as a Boy Scout Troop Leader. Dick loved going home to Idaho to hunt and fish at Hawley Creek. Mammoth Pool was another beloved camping and fishing spot.

He thoroughly enjoyed his travels to Alaska and other destinations. And, he loved to cook and bake for all his special people. Dick was a wonderful man whose greatest joy came in giving to others. He had a great love for his family, and he enjoyed a special relationship with each one. Dick had a heart of gold and he shared his love with family, friends, and everyone around him.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Florence Speelmon. Siblings: Dwaine “Spud” Speelmon, and Betty Jemmett. Granddog: Lucy

Dick is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frances Speelmon. Children: Kevin Speelmon; Pamela Chambers and husband Greg; Paula Garrison and husband Brigadier General Clay L. Garrison, Commander California Air National Guard; and J.J. Speelmon, all of Madera. Grandchildren: Ben Rodriguez, Marissa Speelmon, Aaron Chambers, Kyle Garrison, Dustin Chambers, Lauren Garrison, and Kassie Speelmon. Granddogs: Emmy and Ellie. Siblings: Lee and Tamara Speelmon of South Ogden, Utah; Ramona and Frank Ammons of Taylorsville, Utah; Maxine and Manny Koenigsberg of Las Vegas, Nevada; Ben and Annette Speelmon of Terreton, Idaho; Brother-in-Law Merrill Jemmett of Terreton, Idaho; Bev and Sam Waldron of Spokane, Washington.

Visitation will be held on: Tuesday, November 1, 2016 from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA

Funeral Service will be held on: Wednesday, November 2, 2016, 2:00 P.M. at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA

Interment to follow at: Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera, CA

Memorials or Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA or your favorite charity.