Willard Joseph Venable

Willard Joseph Venable, 95, of Lake Charles, LA, died at 1:28 PM on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 in his daughter’s residence in Huntsville, AL.

Mr. Venable was born January 19, 1923 in Grand Lake, LA and lived most of his life in Lake Charles, LA. He was a graduate of Grand Lake High School and served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked for the Corps of Engineers as a lock operator for thirty years, retiring in 1983. Mr. Venable was a member of the VFW Post #2130, where he served as Captain of the Honor Guard. In 2008 he moved to Huntsville, AL to be with family. While there he was a member of The Rock Church. During his younger years, he spent some time as a duck guide and throughout his life loved working with his hands.

Mr. Venable is survived by his son, Johnny Ray Venable and wife Pam of Enterprise, AL; daughter, Virginia Harper of Huntsville, AL; son-in-law, Wayne Heyd of Iowa, LA; grandchildren, Cami Bassett, Randy Smith and wife Nanette, Shaunna Davis and husband Benjamen and Aaron Harper; and great-grandchildren, Paris Bassett, Deanza Smith, Breanne Smith, Lexi Davis, Cale Davis, and Lindsey Davis.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Cates Venable; daughter, Carolyn Faye Heyd; and siblings Lawrence Venable and Una Kershaw.

His funeral service will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Ronnie Estes will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.