Herman R.L. Speaks passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 92. R.L. was born on November 13, 1932, in Coleman, Oklahoma, to Herman and Myrtle Speaks.

R.L. began his career at the young age of 17 in the Oklahoma oil fields. At 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he honorably served for two years. After completing his service, he returned to the Oklahoma oil fields, where he worked over 50 years before retiring.

On July 6, 1971, he married Barbara Porter. R.L. became a member of the Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Ozark, Arkansas, and was baptized on March 23, 1975.

R.L. was preceded in death by his father, Herman; mother, Myrtle; and a stepson, Cecil “Chet” Wages.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Jean Speaks; four daughters and their husbands — Darlene and Gerald Parrish of Ozark, Amber and Brian Randeau of Lamar, Sandy and Bobby Hall of Clarksville, and Brandy Kotch of Clarksville; and one stepson, Lincoln Wages of Clarksville. R.L. leaves behind a growing legacy of 15 grandchildren — April, Robert, Derrick, Devlyn, Santana, Savannah, Farika, Gracie, Brylee, Ariya, Taylor, Coby, Josiah, Alicia, and Sean; 18 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held in Ozark, AR at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 11:00am. After the memorial service, lunch and reception will be held at Jethro Pentecostal Church, 15363 Lower Jethro Rd. Ozark, AR 72949.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com