Edward Wayne "Speck" Mueller passed away on April 9, 2018. Speck was born in Cuero on October 11, 1924 to the late Fred and Nila Adcock Mueller, but was raised by his stepfather, B Hilen, after the death of his father.

Speck joined the US Army at 18. He was a Staff Sergeant and served in the 8th Air Force division as a turret gunner on a B24 during World War II. He completed 11 missions, which included historical bombings such as Paris, Frankfort, Berlin, Normandy and was a prisoner of war in Sweden for 5 months in 1944, after their plane was shot down mid-mission. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he met his wife of 71 years, Berdie Rae Boothe, and they were married on November 1, 1946.

Hunting, being in his workshop where he was a master carpenter and watchmaker, Patsy Cline, and traveling with Rae across the United States were among his favorite things. Our Poppa had a spunk that showed itself to the very end. He will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, and brother, Glenn.

Speck is survived by his wife, Rae; daughters, Suzanne Mueller Adams (Mitch) and Melissa Kay Mueller; son, Marcus Ray Mueller(Lillie); granddaughter, Abigail Adams Blinka (Dustin); grandsons, Will Adams (Miranda) and Joshua Mueller; and 3 great grandchildren.

The visitation will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Michael Boothe, Roger Boothe, Kenneth Boothe, Mitch Adams, Will Adams, and Dustin Blinka.  Honorary pallbearers are Fred Mueller and Arthur Mueller.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stratton Primitive Baptist Church.