Albert Eugene “Gene” Venable, age 85, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, March 30, 2026, at his home.

      He was born July 27, 1940, in Flora, the son of Albert and Eunice (Higgason) Venable.  He was united in marriage to Anne Cherikos on February 19, 1960, at the Flora First Methodist Church.  Together, they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and unwavering commitment to one another.

      Gene was a graduate of Flora High School.  He began his working years at Stanford Body Shop and later was employed by the B&O Railroad as a teletype operator. Throughout his life, Gene was known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.  He owned Louisville Lumber & Hardware, worked as a salesman for GAF Roofing, and also owned and operated Angelo’s Coffee Shop and ACA Roofing & Tile.  Following his retirement, he continued working as a pilot escort driver, guiding oversized loads driven by his son, Chip.

      Gene was a member of Flora First Christian Church, the Beau Knot Sunday School Class, the Flora Boy Scouts, and the Clay County Cruisers Car Club.  He found great joy in the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing, hunting, and mushroom hunting.  Most of all, Gene treasured the time he spent with his family and took special pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

      He is survived by his wife: Anne Venable of Flora; children: Angela (Brad) Gordon of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Chip (Tammy) Venable of Flora, Mandy Booth of Flora, and Aaron (Dena) Venable of Flora; grandchildren: Shallon Booth of Flora, Cassie (Adam) Devore of Flora, Anna (Matt) Proffitt of Taylorsville, Kentucky, Lowell Gordon of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Haley (Justin) Blanchard of Flora, Logan Venable of Flora, Addison Venable of Flora, and Mandy (Kevin) Meyers of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; great-grandchildren: Irene Shabani, Sophie Shabani, and Jacob Devore, all of Flora, Cade Proffitt and Carter Proffitt, both of Taylorsville, Kentucky, and Sophia Meyers and Andrew Meyers, both of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; a sister: Rita Keys of Johnson City, Tennessee; and special friend: Herb (Kay) King of Carlyle.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; 2 brothers: Curtis Venable and Norman Venable; and special friend: Mike (Myrna) Fry.

      A family-guided Celebration of Life gathering will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at First Christian Church in Flora.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses (please make checks payable to Anne Venable), Residential Hospice, or First Christian Church in Flora, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  Frank & Bright Funeral Home assisted the family.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com