Ron Speidel

Ronnie J. Speidel was born January 9, 1952, in St. Louis, MO, to Clinton and Mayme Speidel of Desoto, MO. He attended school in the Desoto School District graduating in 1970. In 1974 he earned a B.S. in Education from Southeast Missouri State University. While attending the university he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and played football. In 1976 he graduated from the St. Louis Police Academy and went on to serve Jefferson County in law enforcement for close to thirty years. He worked as a deputy sheriff in many capacities but most proudly serving as the county's first canine handler and trainer. In addition, he taught for several years at the Jefferson County Police Academy. His last position was serving as Chief of Police for the City of Desoto. He married Brenda Howe in 1987 and they shared 38 beautiful years together traveling and camping in their Airstream. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fly fishing. Ron was a critical thinker always thinking outside the box, playing chess and immersing himself in books. He enjoyed ten bonus years after being diagnosed and surviving cancer through participation in a clinical trial of immunotherapy. Ron was dedicated to learning about and educating patients to the benefits of immunotherapy. His most treasured moment was being able to finally meet in person Dr. Jim Allison, Poet Laureate of 2018. Dr. Allison was responsible for developing the drug that allowed Ron to have those bonus years. He owed a debt of gratitude to Dr. Allison as well as Dr. J.J. Gao of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Further, during reoccurrence much gratitude is given to Dr. Mark Meadors and Dr. Michael Naughton and the rest of the St. Francis Medical Center team who cared for him. Ron was predeceased by his parents and sister. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; brother in law, Michael (Sherrie); nieces, Laura Gamble (Tommy), and Lindsey Deerfield. Also, sister in law, Cheryl (Chip) Camp; great niece and nephew, Vera and Oliver; as well as several cousins. Very important to him were the numerous friends in his Airstream community of travelers who shared his wanderlust and quest to see what was on the other side of the mountain or river. Private services will be held and arrangements will be coordinated by Ford and Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or MD Anderson James P. Allison Institute at gifts.mdanderson.org. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com

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Ron Speidel

January 9, 1952 - May 14, 2025