Ira M. Speck began working for Blount Funeral Home in 1930 as an ambulance driver. While working with Mr. Blount, Mr. Speck began to assist Mr. Blount in other areas of funeral service, thus creating an interest in becoming a full time Funeral Director.

Another funeral home in Livingston, the Ridley Funeral Home was purchased in 1940 by Shirley, Frank, Ira and Vera Hyder Speck. During this time Shirley and Frank Speck were also owners of Speck Brothers Hardware in Livingston. Later Verlin and Hollis Hyder (brothers to Vera Speck) bought Shirley and Frank Speck's part of the funeral home changing the name to Speck-Hyder Funeral Home. Later, Hollis Hyder decided it was not his desire to be a Funeral Director and sold his share to the other partners. The firm was known as Speck-Hyder Funeral Home for many years. It was also during this time that Overton County Memorial Gardens was founded by Verlin Hyder Sr. and Ira M. Speck.

Verlin Hyder, Sr. passed away September 28, 1973. His wife Hazel Hyder, and their son Verlin Hyder Jr. continued to assist in operating the funeral home until 1976. At this time the partners resolved partnership, and again the funeral home became known as the Speck Funeral Home.

In January 1977, Grover C. Brown, Exec. Vice President and employee of Union Bank and Trust Company for 21 years, purchased half interest in Speck Funeral Home. Mr. Brown was married to the late Joan Speck, the daugther of Ira and Vera Hyder Speck. In April 1974, another family member began his career at Speck Funeral Home, J. David Parsons. David married Lesa Sidwell, daughter of the late Joan Speck Brown and the granddaughter of Ira and Vera Hyder Speck. David attended the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science where he graduated in 1976.


Speck Funeral Home continues to be family owned and operated with the same commitment to the community as when Mr. Speck first started in 1930.