Uncle Quentin Harris Speas

Among the special treasures at Grandma Speas's house was a small box of intricate carvings. Occasionally she would let us open the box and hold them.

Whittled chain and ball in a cage

I was told that my Uncle Quentin had whittled these amazing items. I thought he must have been a very talented and patient person to carve something so small and complicated. Other than these fancy carvings, I have no memory of Quentin, as he passed away when I was only three years old.

Quentin was my mother's older brother, born September 21, 1922, the third child of Robert Rector and Ethel Hurst Speas. In January, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army to serve in World War II.

He married Myrtle Arlene Sessions August 22, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple. Three children joined their family.

His friend, David R. Johnson, tells the following about Quentin's commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:  "Quentin had a big Harley that he was was very attached to. He gave it to a church auction for a fund to build a new house of worship. That was like Quentin."

In 1961, a tragic accident claimed the lives of Quentin, his wife, and two of his children.

Grandma Speas was inconsolable. According to Uncle Dennis Speas, Quentin's youngest brother, Grandma was haunted by a picture that was published in the newspaper of the accident showing a shoe by the side of the road. Seeing that shoe made her imagine the violent collision that ejected her son from his vehicle and threw the shoes right off his feet. 

She diligently sought the peace and comfort she needed to go on with life. One day, overcome with grief, she went to the fruit room in the basement of the home. Quentin's spirit came to her in a way that made her know he was busy on the other side of the veil and happy. This gave her the peace and comfort she sought. 

This experience of the love between a mother and son has always inspired me and strengthened my testimony of the eternal nature of the family. 

Thanks to Quentin's surviving daughter, Darlene, and to Uncle Dennis Speas for information in this post.