Speth, Richard Lawrence (Rick)

Richard Lawrence (Rick) Speth, passed away on November 26, 2023 at the age of 74, in his home in St. Louis Missouri, surrounded by his family. He was pre-deceased by his father Anthony (Tony) Speth, and Mother, Mildred (Mil) Speth (nee Grabher.) Rick is survived by his daughter Patti (Joe) Morgan, Son, Jeff (Suzie) Speth, and Son, Rick (Steph) Speth, as well as his much-loved grandchildren, Haley Morgan, and Sophia and Caleb Speth. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Carolyn Helmbacher and Betty (Terry) Menges, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rick was the 4th generation of the Speth family who helped found Assumption Parish. He was born and grew up there and raised his family in the Speth-family house across the street from Assumption school. As a kid Rick enjoyed playing baseball with his boyhood friends at Assumption, several who remained life-long friends.

At age 17, Rick married his high-school sweetheart, Julie Speth (nee Colombo) loving mother of his children, and though they divorced after 24 years of marriage, they maintained a lifelong connection, never being very far from one another.

Rick was a kind and gentle spirit and a good and loving father. He raised his children by his example and taught them integrity and respect. Witty and youthful, his light-hearted humor always brightened up any occasion. His family meant the world to him.

Rick’s passion was his cars. He loved racing and enjoyed going to car events. He cherished his Mopars, especially his ’69 Plymouth Barracuda that he bought new and is still with the family. He made a living buying and fixing up cars, and had a special talent for, after just seeing a small glimpse or a part of a fender or taillight, knowing instantly the year, make and model of the car.

Rick was an ASE Master Certified Technician by trade, and for many years was the neighborhood mechanic. You would often see Rick underneath a car at night with a drop light, turning wrenches, after his day job to ‘make ends meet’ for his family.

After his children were grown, Rick led a quiet and simple life. He was always in search of peace and didn’t get caught up in the ‘crazy’ of life.

Rick was a deep thinker. Some would say he was a loner. He spent more time listening, observing, and mulling things over in his head, than acting on them. Later when asked why, he said it was because he “didn’t want to get it wrong or give someone bad advice.” His words were few, but deliberate or spoken through a sparkle of his eyes. But he never passed up an opportunity to tell his kids and his grandkids how proud he was of them. His walls and refrigerator door were always filled with parables and wise sayings that he pondered and lived by. Ones we all can live by! “AYE?”

Rick needed the ‘warmth of the sun.’ He felt most alive watching a sunset, being near the water or in the mountains near Colorado Springs where he resided for 20 years in his later years. Often times he would ‘take a drive’ and disappear for a weekend. This is where Rick felt closest to God.

Rick cherished the many adventures spent with family and friends, including one of his last road trips he took with his children and granddaughter to Silverton and Durango, Colorado.

A ‘Celebration of Rick’s Life’ will be held at Assumption Catholic Church (Mattis Rd.) on December 27, 2023. Visitation: 9:30-11:30am in the hall below the church. Mass will be at 12:00 Noon, followed by the burial of his ashes in Assumption Cemetery adjacent to the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ‘One Nation Walking Together” in Colorado Springs, Colorado, or to the deGreef Hospice House, in St. Louis, Missouri.

By Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Road.