"To the Family and Friends of LARRY SPECK...I also, SP5 Jerry D. Catron, Company Operations NCO, Monticello, Ky., was with the 86th CBT ENGR BN Company B, from Mar 1967-Mar 1968. I hope this is an appropriate time to brag on Larry, and let some know of his service to the People of the United States of America, if not appropriate please delete. Co B of the 86th Engr Bn was one of the most important units in Vietnam, yet got no credit, no recognition, no Glory we wanted. I've phrased us as the Bad News Bears of Engineering to what the other team was to Baseball. We cleared jungle and roadsides to prevent the VC from Ambushing US Forces and robbing Vietnamese Nationals. It was not always the fun some thought we were having, it was 24/7 a lot of the times, not enough parts to make repairs to equipment before we left for the field again. Good will work for the communities, and no mistreatment to locals. It's sad that I, like Lt Holtz and Edwin Sprague, let time go by and that we couldn't reconnect with all our guys, but the story is we never wanted to know anything once we left Vietnam, no letters, no calls, nothing. And that's the way its' been for 45 years, now we're looking and loosing, loosing more at a rate higher than WWII Veterans. A shame, I was only about 60 miles away, into Indianapolis multiple times, living in New Castle, trading in Indy. I started looking about 5 years ago for anyone I could find. I know I won't find them all here, but I sure hope we have a great Engineer Reunion on the other side." Someone needs to contac the Medals section of the US Government and request Larry's Medals, although he may have some of them, I almost assure you he has more. If you need help, let me know. Through the rain, dust, and mud, these men, including the "86th Land Clearing Team," worked on, and at a lot of the time performing infantry duties also. I want to say I am So Sorry I didn't know where he lived, but now, I want you all to be even Prouder of a 'COMBAT ENGINEER," husband, brother, father, and friend. RIP my Brother, and God Bless Your Family.

Dear Donna and family. I just learned today of Larry's passing. I am so sorry. I know you have cherished memories and friends and family to help you through this difficult time. Please know my prayers are with you.

I have been looking for the guys that I served with in Vietnam the last couple of years.  I was very sad to see that Larry passed on last year.  I was Larry's platoon leader and remember him well, because we spent many hours together in a jeep.  He was an aggressive driver but he was always in control and I had great confidence with him driving.  He was a lot of fun to be with, had a great smile and he always did a great job no matter what he did.  My prayers are with his family and friends.

I just discovered via FB that Larry has passed on.  Larry and I had promised to spend some time reminiscing by telephone and I let the oportunity slip away.  Larry and I served together for most of a year in Co. B, 86th Engineer Battalion in the Republic of Vietnam.  Larry was a cut up and help keep things light...even a little crazy at times.  Larry is prominent in my memories of those days in Vietnam.  Larry was simply a good friend to everyone.  I should add that there were no harder workers than Larry and when the work got back breaking he always pulled his weight and more.  I don't miss the war but I have always missed Larry.  I have a few pictures that I would like to send to Larry's family if someone would be so kind as to give me an address.  RIP Larry.....and keep it light up there.

Donna and family, our prayers are with you, Larry was a friend to all, loved his family and friends. He will be missed.   Dave and Stephanie Harman

Donna, Robert, and Matthew,
Just a note to let you know the couple of times I got to visit with Larry I was encouraged when I left the house. On my last visit he let me know that all was well and when the Lord was ready he was. We talked of God given us dieing Grace and he felt like that God had given him that. Thanks for letting me share that time with him as a chaplain. May God bless you during this time.
Randy Perry Gentiva Chaplain

Larry was a great friend and firefighter. We have wonderful softball-days memories.

Steve and Frosty Dillman

Dear Donna, 

We are  profoundly saddened Larry lost his battle with cancer.
Please know our heart aches for you and your family and we share your sorrow,  pain and tears at this difficult time.  Larry was a great family guy and his service to the community a legacy to be honored. Sending you love and strength and hugs. 
Chris and Larry

I really enjoyed the time I spent stationed at the 5s'  Larry was always making everyone laugh!!  He was a great guy and loved his family. He will be missed.
        
                      Linda Hodge-McKinney ( IEMS medic).

Thought and prayer for all who loved you.  You were a great cousin.

Larry gave everything to the job and his family.  He was a humble hero. He was a great fireman. I wish for peace and happiness for him and his family. Heaven has another Smoke Eater.  God Bless you all!

Larry you will truly be missed. Always had a smile on your face and so full of life. Just hearing your name makes me smile and always will. May your family find peace in knowing how much you were so loved by all who knew you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the family.  He was a great guy. Lots of fun memories.

I was lucky to have worked with Larry and my dad at the  fives together what a great time Larry was one of the best rest in peace Larry stay strong matt

Rest in peace Larry. It was a great honor to have worked with you at IFD and IN-TF1. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends.  God Bless.

Thank you for your service. We'll take the watch from here.

One thing I will always remember about Larry is that he always had a smile!  He was one of the good guys and I'm honored to have called him family.  I'm holding the Speck family close in prayer and hope that you find comfort in the beautiful memories of such a wonderful man.

Carol, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So very sorry. Raymond and Diane Haag.

I want to express my deepest sympathy for you and your family.  I truly will miss him as much as one of my own.

Donna and family,

Just a note to let you know I am thinking about you and praying for you to know the sufficiency of God's comfort.  May you look to Jesus...the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Clyde was God's way of bringing Donna and Larry across my path...people to talk to and pray for.  And Clyde remains an ongoing reminder of this family.


Love and prayers,

Shirley Nicholas

OBITUARY

Lawrence Edward "Larry" Speck

May 31, 1947 – October 19, 2014

Little & Sons Funeral Home

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