Michael C. "Mike" Speer, age 67 of Elwood, passed away March 14, 2016 at Community Hospital in Anderson after an extended illness. He was born September 2, 1948 in Raleigh, North Carolina, the son of Carl and Mary (Stone) Speer. Mike worked for the Elwood Police Department as a Dispatcher before becoming a patrolman; and later served as Assistant Chief of Police of the department before his retirement after many years of service. Following his disability retirement, he worked for several different companies for many years. He was a loyal member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and formerly enjoyed fishing when he lived in Florida for several years. He married Judith E. Meyer on September 29, 2002. In recent years, Mike had declining health, but was determined to beat all of his health complications and multiple heart attacks. More than anything, he will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather; and he was lovingly known by his grandchildren as "Pops".

Mike's family includes his wife, Judith E. Speer of Elwood; 4 children, Scott (wife Lori) Higgins of Indiana, Michelle (husband Casey) Speer-Ventura of Indiana, Stephanie Speer of California, and Grant Speer of California; step-daughter, Kelly (husband Kurt) Simpson of Elwood; 6 sisters, Carla (husband Rod) Burns-Long of California, Suzi Brooks of California, Sheila (husband Trent) Worthman of Arcadia, Carla Speer-McCall of Noblesville, Rosemary Speer-Fisher of Noblesville, Carla (husband David) Case-Flynn of California; 2 brothers, Stephen (wife Terry) Speer of Anderson, and David (wife Sharon) Speer of Noblesville; 3 grandchildren, Austin Ventura, Sophia Ventura, and Joseph Ventura; 3 step-grandchildren, Tyler Jarrell, Hailey Simpson, and Kayden Simpson; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Mike was preceded in death by both of his parents.

A memorial service celebrating Mike's life will be conducted at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with family friend, Harvey McDaniel officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 to 3 PM prior to the memorial service on Saturday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Fraternal Order of Police through the funeral home. Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Mike's arrangements, and online condolences may be made at copherfeslermay.com.