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A family-guided Celebration of Life gathering will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at First Christian Church in Flora
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
Jan 17, 1938 - Jun 19, 2026
Oct 28, 1946 - Jun 17, 2026
Jun 7, 1931 - Jun 12, 2026
Mar 15, 1954 - Jun 9, 2026
Oct 23, 1939 - Jun 8, 2026
Our Heartfelt Condolences 🙏 Such a Wonderful man with So much Love for his family. I first met the family in my early teens with many Wonderful memories. Such a Loving family who would become Cherished friends throughout my years. May God give you all Comfort during your difficult day's ahead 🙏 ✨️ ❤️ with much Love for All!!! Sending loads of Love, Strength and Peace. With Love for a Very Special family, Love ❤️ Kim
We are sorry for your loss. He was a good man. Our prayers are with y’all. RIP Gene 🙏
Prayers to your family, and so sorry for your loss.
To Anne and your family, We are saddened to learn of Gene’s passing. He put up a long struggle and will certainly be missed. We go back a long way and have some memories to share. Our sympathy to you, Angela, Chip, Mandy and Aaron and all your grandchildren.
So sorry for your loss.
Gene and I were friends for a long time you couldn’t ask for a better friend may he rest in peace
Prayers are being sent....May God bring peace to you all!!
So sorry for your loss Mandy
So sorry for your loss. We played together when we were little and always stopped by his parents house when we went to flora. Mandy so glad I got to know you. A long lost cousin
Chip Tammy and family..so very sorry to hear of the passing of Gene...bless you all
So sorry for your loss Chip and family. Your father was wonderful and friendly man.
I'm sorry to learn of this. Gene was a good man and the best boss anyone could have. Enjoyed working for him at Angelo's. To his family my deepest condolences. May you find comfort in love and the support of those around you. Prayers for the family.
I'm so sorry, Mandy, Chip, Tammy, and the whole family. Thinking of you.
Ann, I was so sorry to see this. I haven’t seen you in a long but do think about you. I hope your health is ok. My prayers are for you and your family. May God look over you and comfort you.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. You we be in our thoughts and prayers. Gene was a very hard worker and a great man.
We are so sad to hear about Gene! He was a great guy!! We are praying for God's comfort for you all during this time of sorrow! Praise God that we will see him again!!!
I am sorry for your loss.
With love and prayers, David Lewis
So sorry for your loss
To Chip,Tammy and family. So sorry to hear this. Our love,prayers and condolences to all of you.
Ann —- my thoughts and prayers have been with you in this difficult time. We have memories from way back. Always thought so much of Gene. Will continue to remember you and family. 🙏
So sorry for your loss …. Prayers for all the family during this very difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Anne, sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family with love and peace.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
