Vernon Venable

Vernon E. Venable was born in De Soto on April 9, 1923 a son to Lee and Hattie (nee Calahan) Venable. He died August 10, 2013 at Mercy Hospital-Jefferson at the age of 90. He is survived by his nephew Ray L. Benton and his wife Cathy of Chesterfield; their daughter Carrie and her husband Alex Smith, De Soto; and their children: David, Jonathan, Emma, Benjamin, Noah, and Asher. Also survivng is a friend Earline Johnston-Long and her husband David of De Soto. A 1941 graduate of De Soto High School he was a local amature baseball prospect before leaving De Soto to serve his country during World War II. His military career spanned 22 years serving in the Missouri National Guard, the United States Navy, the Army Air Corps, and the Air Force, Upon his retirement from the Air Force he moved back to De Soto and began another career with McDonnell-Douglass Aircraft as an inspector. He also operated several local taverns including: The Rainbow Lounge, The Gaslight Lounge, The Neighborhood Lounge, and The North End Tavern. He was also a life member of AmVets Post #48 and V.F.W. Post #1831. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Geraldine “Gerry” Benton and her husband Ray C. Benton. Alex Smith will officiate the graveside service which will include Military Honors.