Oscar Conley Speer, 85, of Rector, died Saturday, March 12, 2005, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould.

Born June 20, 1919, in the Campground Community near Paragould to the late Joseph Speer and Amanda Ramer Speer, he was a mechanic, farmer, a World War II Army veteran, of the Methodist faith and had been a member of this community for 66 years.

He was married Aug. 2, 1939, in Paragould to Versie Odessa Jetton, who survives.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Granville Ethridge Speer, eight brothers and four sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Versie Odessa Speer of the home; three sons and daughters-in-law, Weldon and Susie Speer of Miami, Okla., Aaron and Sue Speer of Marmaduke and Darrell and Linda Speer of Rector; one daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Gail Benson of Piggott; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Monday, March 14, at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector with Bro. J.B. Harris officiating. Burial was in Shiloh Cemetery near Paragould with Irby Funeral Home of Rector in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers were Harold Speer, Sherel Jetton, Michael Jetton, Jimmy Poole, Gerayne Poole and Sam Poole. Honorary pallbearers were Don Poole, Bob Little and Bob Murray.