William Donald Speise

William Donald Speise (Billie Don, Biff, Rock, Bill) died on February 4, 2021, (Yes, 2021, life happens) at the age of 96.

On May 12, 2025, the Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am with a visitation at 10:30 am and a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 8941 James A Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO. Interment with military honors will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO.

Bill was born on May 18, 1924, to Donald William and Olieta Mae Speise in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Southeast High School, and if you met him, he probably asked you where you went. He was most proud of his time as a Marine aboard the aircraft carrier, Enterprise (CV-6), the most decorated ship in World War II, and eventually retired from the Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander. His main job on the Enterprise was anti-aircraft gunner. He insisted that as far as he knew, he never hit anything he shot at.

He was a gifted athlete: an American Legion Baseball All-Star and the starting quarterback on the Missouri Valley College Vikings team that won 41 straight games ending in 1948. He would note humbly that his baseball tryout with the St Louis Cardinals was not successful, that the quarterback in the single wing was known as the blocking back, and that the winning streak ended with him calling the signals.

He taught 9th grade General Science at what is now Center Middle School for more than twenty years. He was a born and devoted teacher. His students excelled in the Greater Kansas City Science Fair, and in 1961 he was one of two teachers honored for their contributions.

Bill had a childlike charm that came through to everyone. He seemed fearless, but he was not reckless, even though he enjoyed roofing houses and trimming trees. He could build or repair anything. He built his own house with a little help from his friends. He was a good friend and had a lot of friends. He would include you. It meant more people to listen to his stories.

He leaves his granddaughter Miranda Green (Brad Small) and their sons Brody and Jackson; his grandson David Weaver, his wife Diane, and their daughters, Juliette and Genevieve; and his son Steve Speise, his wife Janet and their sons Matthew and Brian. His wife Philippina Hoffman, daughters Roxanne Weaver and Camille Speise are deceased.