Paul Speakman

Paul Eugene Speakman, 89, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away at St. Francis Nursing Home, Breckenridge, on Monday, October 22, 2018. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2018, at Valley Christian Church, Breckenridge, immediately followed by the funeral service. Pastor Dean Bjorlin is officiating.

Paul was born near Decatur, IN, on January 1, 1929, the son of Richard and Rhoda (Jones) Speakman. He spent his adolescent years growing up on the farm and went to school at Pleasant Mills, IN. After graduating in 1946, Paul spent the next two years helping his father on the farm. He also worked as a secretary at a Farmers Co-op elevator in Pleasant Mills and at U.S. Rubber Co. factory in Ft. Wayne, IN, making parts for airplanes. Seeking to continue his education, Paul attended Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, majoring in social studies, clinical psychology with a minor in English. His education was important to achieve his goal of becoming a pastor; however, his path took him into the academic field as a teacher.

On August 25, 1949, Paul was united in marriage to Emily Grace Eaton in Waseca, MN. The couple made their home in Wilmore, KY, for three years. His first job as a teacher was in Beaver Creek, MN. He then worked in Jeffers, MN,and later, he began teaching in Breckenridge, MN, in 1958. Along with a successful career in the school system, Paul coached football, basketball, and summer baseball. He also maintained the grounds for the baseball and softball fields during the seasons and refereed during basketball and summer baseball. Paul dedicated 35 years to helping influence the lives of his students through education and sports, and he held the position of president of the Breckenridge Federation of Teachers for several years. He and his wife were active members at Valley Christian Church in Breckenridge. Paul loved the outdoors; he enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and walks around town. Traveling was important to Paul. He and Emily would often visit their family in Mexico and while visiting they would help with construction projects or anything else needed. Paul was a generous and caring man who found his greatest joy in spending time with his family.

He will be missed by his wife, Emily Speakman; his daughter, Rebecca Lou “Becci” (David) Snyder, Mexico; his grandchildren, Rachel (Gary) Holton of Virginia Beach, VA, Joanna Snyder, Samuel (Sarah) Snyder of Minneapolis, MN, and Bethany (Jonas) Cortes of Rochester, NY; his 13 great-grandchildren; his brother, David (Carmi) Speakman, Syracuse, IN; his sisters: Mary Sutherland, Wilmore, KY, Ella Mae Haessig, Syracuse IN.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Richard and Rhoda Speakman; his son and his wife, Gary and Karen Speakman; his brothers, Harry, Tom, John, Lee, and Robert; and his sister, Arlyene Kelsey.

The family requests memorials be made to Valley Christian Church, Breckenridge. These memorials will be used to fund service projects in Mexico in honor of Paul Speakman.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.