William D. 'Pap' Speicher, age 85, of New London, died Sunday, October 26, 2008 at Briarfield of Milan, after a lengthy illness. He was born Sept. 18, 1923 in Ankany, PA, son of the late, James Levi & Cora (Gilbert) Speicher. He had lived in Lorain before moving to New London in 1960. William graduated from Sumerset High School in 1941 and served in the US Army during WWII, he was in the invasion of Normandy. He had worked in the Pennsylvania coal mines for 9 years. William then worked for White-Roth Machine in Lorain and was co-owner and supervisor at Roth Manufacturing in New London, where he worked from 1953-1986. William was a New London High School Athletic Booster and involved with the New London Little League and was past president of both. He was a life time member of the Lorain County Beagle Club and a charter member of the Ehove FFA. William was a member of the New London V.F.W. and a member and past commander of the New London American Legion. He was also a member of the Huntington Amvets and the New London Eagles Club. He was an avid Steelers fan and loved gardening. William is survived by a daughter & son-in-law, Jeanne (Carl) Pettit of Norwalk; a son & daughter-in-law, Jim (Jean) Speicher of Rochester; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Spangler of Stoystown, PA He was preceded in death by his wife Deloris Jean in 1994; son William in 1953; and a brother, Jack Speicher in 2002. A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main St., New London with Pastor Chris Bell officiating. Friends may call before the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Stein Hospice, Sandusky.