Jerry Lee Speck

Jerry Lee Speck, age 84, of Ogallala, passed away, Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala. 

Jerry was born in Norton, Kansas, October 31, 1935 to Clyde and Beulah Lee Speck.

Clyde was the meat manager for Safeway Foods and moved to North Platte one year later, when Clyde went to work for Sixth Street Foods and had interest in North Platte Livestock.

When Jerry was 15 years old, Clyde bought Ogallala Livestock. Jerry was raised in the yards, skipping school on sale days. 

He graduated in 1954 from Ogallala High School and went to Auctioneer School in College Station, TX. 

Jerry served in the Army from 1958-1960. He took over management of Ogallala Livestock when his father passed away in 1977. 

He was united in marriage to Joan Mary Reed on July 4, 1981.

Jerry dedicated his life to his family, customers, employees and buyers until 2003, when he retired. After retirement he enjoyed working in his woodworking shop.

Even after his accident on April 27, 2007, Jerry set an example for many people. He showed courage, strength and determination. 

He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Ogallala and president of it's men's group, Cowboy Capitol Consultants for many years.

Jerry loved his community, he served on the City Council for 2 terms; President of the Chamber of Commerce; served many years on Keith County Fair Board and Ogallala Rodeo Board; President of Nebraska Livestock Association; President of Keith County Foundation; Grounds Chairman for Ogallala Indian Summer Rendezvous and Two Cattle Baron Balls; and received the Trail Blazer Award and Robert Lute Award from the Chamber of Commerce.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Beverly Speck and Karen Campbell; brother-in-law, Max Campbell; and nephew, Scott Campbell.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joan Mary Speck, of Ogallala; 2 sons; Mark (Shawna) Speck, of Keystone, NE; David (Minako) Speck, of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; 2 daughters; Heidi (Rocky) Merrihew, of Ashby, NE; Gretchen (Steven) Kalal, of Evergreen, CO; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister, Darleen Hopkins, of North Platte, NE. 

Visitation will be, Friday, September 25, 2020 from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (M.T.) with family greeting friends from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. in the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. (M.T.), Saturday, September 26, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church of Ogallala with Rev. Chuck Rager and Father Bryan Ernest of the St. Luke's Catholic Church officiating.

Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery. 

A memorial to the First United Methodist Church of Ogallala and the Keith County Foundation has been established in his name.  

Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the Share a Memory or Tribute Wall button. Service will be live streamed from www.drauckerfh.com and methodistchurchogallala.com. 

Due to Covid, overflow in addition to attend the service will be held at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel and the Boy Scout Cabin-605 W. 10th St.

Covid observations are still recommended and masks are recommended. 

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.