Dean Speer

Mr. Dean Speer of North Little Rock, AR went to glory, Thursday, February 26, 2009. Mr. Speer is survived by a loving wife of 49 years, Carolyn Speer, one daughter, Melissa Speer of Dallas, Texas, two sons, Phillip Speer of North Little Rock, and Michael Speer of Dallas, Texas, one daughter- in-law Tanya Speer, four grandchildren, Michael, Dalton, Parker and Hayden. Mr. Speer was preceded in death by his parents, B.A. and Mary Speer of Sand Springs, Oklahoma and his brother, Dale Speer of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born and raised in Sand Springs, Oklahoma and graduated from Sand Springs High School. As a young man, he was an accomplished calf roper on the local rodeo circuit before choosing to play football for the Sand Springs Sandites. While working full time at the Tulsa World newspaper, he attended and graduated college from Tulsa University, receiving a BS in Business. After college he was hired by Sinclair Oil Company as an accountant and completed the Civil Service Examination. While several federal government agencies sought to hire him, he decided to work for the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division and in doing so, exhibited a passion for protecting the rights of the working men and women of America by enforcing Federal labor laws. Soon after his career began, he was drafted into the Army for the Vietnam War, and returned to Wage and Hour after completing his military duty. Mr. Speer was the District Director for Wage and Hour in Little Rock, AR between 1975 through 1990, at which time he was recruited by Washington to lead the Wage and Hour Division?s Office of Policy. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the writing of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, for which he was asked to the White House to meet then President Bill Clinton. He retired in May 1995 after thirty-four years of service and returned with his wife to his home in Arkansas. In retirement, he focused his time and energy on his wife, children and grandchildren, his early morning exercise routine with friends at the Northside YMCA in North Little Rock, wood working projects, spending time with his family at their lake house on Greers Ferry Lake, puttering around in the yard and to researching his Cherokee Indian heritage; becoming a card carrying member of that tribe. Dean Speer was an indomitable spirit, a dedicated man of passion, commitment, honor, and unwavering loyalty to friends, family, and the Wage and Hour Division, his former employer. He was a loving father and husband and was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church. Everyone that came in contact with Mr. Speer was certain to experience the care and compassion he shared so freely with his Christian Spirit. The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the American Heart Association. A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday at North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.