Jerry L. Speckman, 78, St. Marys, died at 2:35 a.m. Jan. 8 , 2014, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys, with his wife and children at his bedside.

He was born Nov. 10, 1935, in St. Marys, to Fred J. and Florence B. Langsdon Speckman. On April 24, 1954, he was married in Wapakoneta to Marilyn S. Elsass, who survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Kathi (Daniel) Freymuth, Wapakoneta, Lorie (Dennis) Searcy, Anna, and Mary Jo (John) Heilshorn, St. Marys; three sons, Randy (Peg) Speckman, St. Marys; James (Meredith) Speckman, St. Marys; and Ronald F. "Goob" (Sheri) Speckman, New Bremen; 21 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Dottie Monroe, Celina, and Barbara Wheeler, Wapakoneta.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Virginia and Leon Jung and Evelyn and Homer Huston; and brothers-in-law, Harold Monroe and Harold Wheeler.

He was a 1953 graduate of Memorial High School, St. Marys, and was co-owner of MJM Catering in St. Marys. He was previously CEO of Mid-America Technologies (a supplier to the cable television industry). In his younger years, he served as a police officer for St. Marys. He also served on the Neil Armstrong Airport Authority for many years and also had been active in the St. Marys Jaycees. He was a member of F.O.P. Grand Lake Lodge 376 and Sons of the American Legion. His favorite pastimes included boating and playing cards with his family (especially the game of "500 Rum").

Funeral rites are 1 p.m. Saturday at Miller Funeral Home West Chapel, St. Marys. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to help defray medical expenses.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.