Merle Speed

Merle Eugene Speed was born May 27, 1937 in Brainerd, to Oliver R. and Lillian (Miller) Speed. He grew up and attended school in Brainerd. While in high school he played on the state championship basketball team. After graduating he moved to California in search of work. He was united in marriage to Ramona Pugh, his wife of 47 years, in Maywood, California on June 27, 1958. He worked in quality control for the aerospace industry in California until moving back to Brainerd with his family in 1969. He worked for Scorpion for 12 years, until they went out of business, and then worked as a foreman for Capri Plastics until his retirement.
Merle is survived by Ramona, his wife of 47 years; his children, Shari (Jay) Broch, Brainerd, Stacy (Michael) Speed Lilya, Minneapolis, and Timothy (Rosalie) Speed, Alexandria; a brother, Virgil (Ruth) Speed, Baxter; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Lillian (Miller); siblings Roy, Russell, Earl, Glenn, Evelyn, and Fern; and a grandson, Nathan.