As we have been enjoying the cool weather in Colorado, we have been remembering the good times with C.J., Fern, Brady and Becky at Heritage Park Baptist Church. C.J. was a GREAT guy, and he and Fern could have made a great comedy team. We will miss him. May you find comfort in your good memories of him, too.

I don’t think there is enough space in this block to say all I could say about CJ. In 1986, I was transferred to the Engineering Department under Dave Nunnery. Sometime after that, Dave asked CJ what he thought about putting me under CJ’s supervision. CJ told him “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Dave said “Good! Well, she starts under you Monday!” Thus began one of the longest “teams” I think in Abbott history. I worked for CJ for 20 years. I can’t say we always got along. But, he is the best boss by far that I’ve had before and since. And, during that time, he also became a friend. Certain managers at Abbott told him he should not be so friendly with his employees. He ignored that. He had the most loyal employees out there. Looking at Facebook comments, he was loved by everyone. There are so many stories I could tell. The CJ masks at Halloween. Putting a lock on the refrig because someone stole his Dr. Pepper. Hanging the World’s Fines Chocolate candy bar for his birthday above his cube just out of his reach. Lunches at Mercado Juarez and Angelo’s. “Rescuing” him out of boring meetings with a message on his pager. The stained glass Christmas angels that I still have.  Being able to call on him to get help on electrical problems, building a shed, fixing almost anything….and just a shoulder to cry on occasionally. Even on the day he passed away I found myself wanting to send him a text just asking how he’s doing. I will miss this guy tremendously. Rest In Peace my friend!

So Blessed to have kniw this Wonderful Christian Friend. His Humor was so Contagious and still Smile on all the Laughs we have shared, especially the White Elephant Gift exchange this past Christmas of the Cow Blanket that we all wanted so we could get a Free meal at Chick-fil-A. Will never be able to see a Chick-fil-A without thinking of CJ and all the Laughs we have shared. Precious Friend and Christian Role model and we will miss him so. We will lift Fern and the Speer Family in prayer, but rejoice that we will be united one day. See you on the "OtherSide". 
Much Love,
Ronnie & Margaret Cessna

No words can describe my dad. My hero. A man unlike any other. His walk with the Lord and his love for his family and friends will forever guide me. I love you dad.

Godly man! Good friend! Praying for Fern and family! We will miss CJ's quick wit and his great smiles! Love you guys, from Don and Sharon Rice

Missing our dear friend CJ Speers. He and Fern welcomed us into their family and we never left. He was a such a godly man and so very kind. Matt and I will miss him dearly.

Memories are swirling in wake of the loss of our dear friend CJ.. Our Friendwood gatherings will have a huge hole. C.J. always kept us laughing with his quick wit. Such a sweet, reliable Man of God. Looking forward to our heavenly gathering. Our prayers are with you Fern and all his famly.

"What a lovely, Godly man, and one of many Christian mentors that Willy and I knew at HPBC. C.J. had a contagious smile that radiated his joyful life. He will be missed! Fern, our prayers, love, and hugs are with you."

What a wonderful man and a true example for all. He came with a genuinely kind demeanor and a calm personality. Those who knew him were better for it and he will be missed.

What a wonderful man that my family came to know and love when we started going to Bear Creek Baptist Church back many years ago. I will never forget that smile of his and the wonderful hard worker he was. I can remember him and others building that 2nd floor to add SS rooms and a youth room as we grew in number.

I will always remember the love he gave to others and the steadfast Christian man that faithfully served our Lord and his family.

Fern and family, I am praying daily for comfort and peace as you mourn the loss of this special man. I love you.