Ben Henry Speckels Jr.

He is survived by his “three girls” and their husbands; Janice and James Miller, Cheryl and Jay Shears and Brenda and Greg Fields. He is also survived by his sister, five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ben was born on August 7, 1930 in Schulenburg, Texas to Bernard and Ruby Speckels. He was an avid high school athlete participating in various sports, including football and track and field. His first job, at age 10 was selling popcorn at the family owned Cozy Theater for ten cents a bag.

Ben graduated from Schulenburg High School in 1948. He went on to earn a degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. During his studies he worked part-time for the Texas Railroad Commission and joined the Reserve unit of the Armed Forces to earn spending money.. He was called to service in February 1950. He served with the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War as an Artillery Forward Observer with the 11th Marine Regiment (Cannon Cockers).

Upon his discharge from the Marines, Ben returned to Austin and met his future wife, Sybil Clanton. They married on December 18, 1954 and moved to Houston, Texas where he began his career at Merichem.

Ben worked for 41 years at Merichem, retiring as the company’s Controller. He was a member of various accounting organizations, and was a past President of the Houston Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants. He also served in the National Association of Accountants as a member of the National Board of Directors and as the National Vice President.

He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.