Dover-   Walter Willoughby Speakman Jr age 60 passed away on July 13, 2011, at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with a neurological disorder, cortical basal degeneration.  He will be remembered as a man who loved his family, as a caring and loyal friend, as a fair and honest attorney, and as an avid duck hunter.  He enjoyed sports, especially watching the Eagles and the Phillies and he had a wonderful sense of humor.

Walt was born on March 6, 1951, in Wilmington, to Walter and Virginia Speakman.  He graduated from John Bassett Moore High School (Smyrna High) in 1969, American University in 1973 with a BA in Political Science and from Delaware Law School in 1978.  He practiced law in Dover, first as a prosecutor (Deputy Attorney General) and then in private practice specializing in family and municipal law and served as the City of Rehoboth's attorney for a number of years.

Walt is survived by his wife, Karen Bierstedt Speakman; his two children, Calli and Will Speakman; his parents, Walter and Virginia (Walls) Speakman; his two sisters, Missy Vaughn and her husband James T. Vaughn Jr., and Amy Speakman.  In addition, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Phyllis F. Bierstedt, sisters-in-law, Jane Bierstedt, Rebecca B. Chase and her husband, Tim Chase.  He is also survived by five nieces and nephews, his many cousins, and countless friends.

There will be a memorial service at Christ Episcopal Church, South State and Water Street, Dover, at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 23.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions/donations be provided to Christ Church outreach committee, www.it-sallgood.de or to www.wemove.org (worldwide education and awareness for neurological movement disorders.)

Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.