David Sherman “Smokey”Speers, 98, a Rulo, Nebraska, native, died March 16, 2017, in Grayslake, Illinois.

He was born February 21, 1919 in Rulo, the son of John and Mary (Noyse) Speers. He grew up and attended Rulo schools later graduating from Rulo High School. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy where he served during World War II. He made the Navy a career where he served 27 years, before being discharged at the rank of master chief petty officer.

Sherman loved baseball and was a Detroit Tiger’s fan since 1934. He was a member of the Wildwood Presbyterian Church for 50 years where he was an Elder and on the Evangelism Committee for over 20 years

Sherman and his wife Esther Joslin, a White Cloud, Kansas native, were married in 1948. They lived in various places in the states and overseas due to his military career before settling and retiring to Wildwood, Illinois. She died in 1997. He was also preceded in death by his son Jimmy Reynolds; his daughters: Lyla Beasley, Ramona (Greg) Staronowicz; granddaughter Sheila Reynolds; 26 brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his loving daughter Dollie (Roy) Letto; daughter in law Cyndi Reynolds of Hiawatha; Grandchildren Brendan Letto, Wesley Letto, James (Cindy) Reynolds of Falls City, NE; Great-grandchildren Ashleigh (Adam) Eickhoff, Samantha and David Reynolds, all of Falls City; with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Rev. Nancy Tuma, of First Presbyterian Church of Hiawatha, officiating. Interment with military honors a courtesy of Brown County Veterans Honor Guard, will be at Hiawatha Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wildwood Presbyterian Church for the Sherman Speers Memorial Fund, 18630 W. Old Gages Lake RD, Grayslake, IL 60030.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com