OBITUARY Charles Riley Speakes, Jr. of Pacific, MO departed this life in Pacific, MO on Sunday, December 11, 2022, having reached the age of ninety years, eleven months and four days. Charles was born in Moselle, MO on January 7, 1932, son of Charles Riley Speakes, Sr. and Josie Ellen Speakes nee Payton. On December 29, 1951 he was united in marriage to Virginia Ellen Phillips and two sons came to bless this union. Charles is survived by his wife, Virginia Speakes, of Pacific, MO; by one son, Mike Speakes and wife, Amy, of Robertsville, MO; by his daughter-in-law, Rita Speakes of Belleville, IL; by one sister, Mary Ashworth of Catawissa, MO; by his sister-in-law, Linnie Speakes of Evansville, IN; by two grandchildren, Dr. Mikaela Speakes and fiancé, Dr. Pat Frailey, of Pittsburg, PA and James Speakes of St. Clair, MO; by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles, Sr. and Josie Speakes; by one son, Gary Speakes; by his brothers, Elmer Speakes, John Speakes and Pleasant Speakes; by three sisters, Sabert Harrell, Myrtle Agnew and Daisy Kopf; and by one grandson, Brian Speakes. Charles was a Christian and member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church in Robertsville, MO. During his working career he was employed by Absorbent Cotton Company in Valley Park, MO, where he worked as a machinist and designed the Dental Roll Machine and retiring after forty-five years of service to the company. After his retirement he had his own machine shop at his home where he would continue to make parts for the machines and ship them all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. He also did work for farmers and his friends in the local area. He loved to travel, having travelled all over the world, working in his garden and caring for his yard. What meant most to him was time spent with family. The love they shared and the many precious memories they created together will be cherished by them all. A kind and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, December 16, 2022 at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church in Robertsville, MO with Pastor Duane McDowell officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Robertsville, MO. Memorials may be made to the church. The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.