Hi, I'm Brittany atkins(Vennum),  This was my very first grandfather.  My mother was eddy jr's first wife. And he raised me and my brother Kenny vennum. I remember going to california for summer every year. We still have the pillow Joyce made for us with our elementary picture on it. I still remember everything. I will always cherish every moment I ever had with grandpa and grandma vennum and Eddy-daddy.  I wish we never lost contact. I only hope that one day we will meet again. I live in Tennessee now with a family of my own.

I could not have asked for a better Dad, he has and will always be my hero. The earliest memories I have is being in the yard in Salina, Kansas as he is doing yard work, me drinking out of the hose. Then the tornado that ripped through and I was hoisted on his shoulders, as the tornado was raging and the waters rising  and I just knew I was going to be safe because my dad was taking care of me. He did everything to make sure we were cared for. He was gone a lot, working long hours. But when he was home, he was present, hugged me, and made sure I always knew I was loved. That is a gift not every child gets. He called me his Baby Girl and I find myself calling my daughter the same. We did have some special connection that I cannot explain. For example, there was a time as a teen I was thinking about running away and hiding out in the woods. He knew exactly where I was and came to get me. As an adult we were often far apart but the sense of comfort, knowing he was there meant everything. I knew that no matter the time of day, distance, didn’t matter, dad would drop everything and come to the rescue if I asked him. Dad  could fix anything, construction, boo-boos, and hearts, he had it all covered. Family gatherings at my house over the last 20 years, is because of dad-it was so important to him that we all get together. Dad had a way of making personal connections with complete strangers wherever he went, he would make a joke that made people smile and they remembered and connected with him. That was just his personality. Here I am, at a loss to properly summarize how much he has meant to me, how much he is dearly loved and how I can’t wait to see him again.

Eddie was with us on one of our trips to Thailand. He was with little Eddie and his family during the first half of his trip and then on the 2nd half he was with us. We went to a lot of places together and he was always up to do anything. We were staying on the Chao Phraya River at the Royal River Hotel. They had a laundry service there. 

The people who did the laundry lived across the road from the Hotel in what could be described as a shack. Eddie befriended them. After we would get back from our excursions for the day he would go buy beers and go hang out with them as they did the laundry from the hotel. They didn't speak any English and Eddie didn't speak any Thai but he would sit and share his beers with them for a couple of hours each night. He will be missed. 

As a kid growing up I didn’t see Uncle Eddy much but once or twice a year, so I never really got to experience the type of man he truly was. However, I have a very fond memory of Uncle Eddy one particular Christmas at Aunt Linda’s old house passing out dollar bills to everyone he saw while exclaiming Merry Christmas. Kids and Adults alike. It was a different side or him that I never got to see and it stuck with me. I really enjoy having that memory of when I was a little kid and Uncle Eddy gave me a dollar for Christmas.

I didn't know my Uncle Eddy very well when I was young.  He was this mysterious relative that lived an exciting life as a military man.  I looked at him with eyes of awe and wonder when he came home to visit.  When he moved to Illinois, I quickly realized what a great uncle he was to me.  When he would smile and laugh, I couldn't help but smile too.  
  When I lived in Marissa, IL when I was in my twenties, Aunt Joyce and Uncle Eddy came out to visit me (an hour drive for them) with my mom and dad.  I was surprised because I didn't think I rated that high for someone to drive so far for me.  It made me feel really good they cared that much about me to visit.  I had a list posted on the wall of things I needed to buy (laundry basket and such).  Uncle Eddy read my list, reached into his pocket, and gave me all his coins.  He said, " it isn't much, but you can have it".  So sweet! When I moved to Missouri with my six kids to start a new life, Uncle Eddy took me aside at a family gathering and said, "if you choose not to work and go on welfare to stay home with your children, I will support you all the way kid.  There's no shame in it.   That's why it's there for moms like you".  I wish I would have taken Uncle Eddy's advice as I now see he had a wisdom I couldn't understand at the time. I believe he knew how valuable it is to give as much time to your children as possible.  I will miss you Uncle Eddy and I love you very much!

I cannot say enough good things about my grandpa. PawPaw was a wonderful man with the biggest heart. He was very affectionate and loved to tell jokes. He was always there to help with anything I needed and never complained. When I finally  decided to change my last name to “Vennum,” I remember how happy he was to help me through the process. When PawPaw found out I wanted to join the Air Force, he was super excited for me. While in basic training, I got many letters from my grandparents which really helped me get through training and tech school. I was always so excited to read each letter.  I saved all of them. PawPaw loved telling me stories of his military days when we got see each other. I really enjoyed talking to him about my career and comparing the differences of how military life was back then to how it is now. I love how passionate he was about his time in the service. I strive to accomplish as much as he has over the years of his career. He would never forget to tell me how proud he is of the person I’ve become. I thank PawPaw for his unconditional love and support. He was truly a one of a kind. I’ll forever miss his forehead kisses and calling me his “grand-baby.” 

Pawpaw was the type of person who would go the extra mile for you. Whatever you needed, he was there to lend his hand or run an errand for you. I’ve always known my grandpa to be such a caring and loving man to his family and even strangers who were lucky enough to cross his path. I can remember when I was younger and my family was living with my grandparents at the time, he would always be awake to watch disney channel in the mornings with me before I had to get on the bus for school. The same episodes and songs played over and over again but that only made mornings more fun since we knew the words and sung the songs together. I can still hear him popping in to say “hello” in his voice to my family when he was in the neighborhood, granted we live down the street and around the corner so him being in the neighborhood was quite often. He would always be so happy to see me, telling me I looked as beautiful as ever every single time. I’ll miss his forehead kisses and him calling me Pumpkin. The last time I got to see him, the roles were reversed as I had the honor of running an errand for him, and I loved every second of it. Helping others was Paw Paw’s specialty and he was truly a gift to this world. He lived a great, fulfilled life and I’m so proud to call him my grandpa. I love you Pawpaw, until we meet again.

What a blessing it was to have such a wonderful and loving father-in-law. He always made me feel as an equal part of the family and as his daughter. He was always concerned with how I was doing and if I needed anything. It was so comforting to know that I could reached out to him for assistance for anything and he always made things better. Dad was a problem solver that that loved his family so much that he would bend over backwards for solutions even at heavy cost of himself. I never knew him to complain or let on to any difficulties that he was having but was always seen with a smile on his face and an instant joke at the ready. One of my fondness memories is the time that he taught me how use the riding mover and how much fun I had zipping around the yard cutting the grass. The thought that my dad is no longer here to create those great memories grievances me unbearably. I will always love and miss you dad, thank you for all the happy memories.

It's kind of weird thought, but in the 20 plus years of knowing this wonderful man, I don't think I ever called him anything but PawPaw. I have been friends of the family since I was 15. There are many things to remember about him, but if you really wanted to ever know this man, you can learn a lot by working with him. I don't remember much conversation from the roof, but I left with an admiration of just how hard a worker this man was. I remember how he outworked all of us younger folk. You could tell he was happy to be up there with his grandson, his son in law, and a couple of young men he hadn't known that long, but he made you feel like a long time friend. He was a very kind soul, that loved his family, and never knew a stranger. He will be loved and missed by many including myself. 


Ed was a Shipmate, a friend & most of all a kind, loving & positive spirit that will be truly missed.  I will never forget when Ed came to me to help him reenlist back into the Navy.  It was my sincere honor to reenlist Ed back into the Navy & the Seabees.  Ed worked tirelessly to achieve his goals in the Navy becoming a fellow Master Chief.  Ed visited Chris & I in August 2016, after Ed & I had both retired, & we had a great visit talking about our experiences in the Navy, the Seabees & Ed's time as a recruiter.  Ed loved Joyce, his family, & his friends unconditionally.  Chris & I are both deeply saddened by Ed's passing.  "Fair Winds & Following Seas", my dear friend.   John Lewis

Dad lived his love of God, family and country throughout his life. His kindness and compassion in taking care of his parents, his devotion to Mom, Carla, Eddy and all the family is truly a blessing.

	Dad liked to travel, and in his travels he would always want to visit family members or friends if possible, and he always made it possible, from Puerto Rico to England to Thailand, as well as California to Florida he’d set out to meet his family and friends along the way.

	Dad’s skills as a carpenter and his work ethics are well known, & so was his butt crack on every project!   BTW I could never quite figure out how my projects always ended with Dad’s solution, it’s a bit eerie, but it worked! Has anyone else experienced this?!
I swear he’d out perform men half his age with his work, and his toolbox was always ready for more. Dad enjoyed getting new and improved tools, as I was the surprised recipient of the older tools. Dad’s candy store, was a Home Depot! 

Dad wasn’t big on going to the movies inside a theatre, but he sure liked the Drive In, at Belleville IL, cause family would meet there! Fun times!

The Wright family reunion’s were always special times! He enjoyed those trips and spoke of them often, especially about the bumper boats and soaking his cousins and family! Everyone tried to soak him! He loved it and everyone enjoyed his competitive fun!!

I have several wonderful memories of Uncle Eddy, but my favorite is when I was 4 or 5 years old (back in the early 60s).  My dad was in the Army and was stationed in Korea.  Me, my mom, and my sister Monika lived in Kirkpatrick Homes in Illinois.  Monika was 2 or 3 years old. My mom did not drive.  Eddy used to stop by occasionally to check to see if my mom needed groceries, or if there was other things he could help with.  At that time, he was either dating my Aunt Joyce, or was just married to her.  Eddy would play with us kids, and always had bubble gum to give us.  We didn't get many treats so it was very special.  We started calling him the bubble gum man.  I missed my dad a lot, but when Eddy visited, it filled that hole in my heart for a while.  There was lots of talk about marriage at that time.  I didn't know what it was, but I knew you got married when you loved someone.  So I knew I would marry Eddy when I grew up, and Monika would too.  I realized when I got older that wasn't how it worked,  but I always had a very special love  for my Uncle Eddy, and always will.  The world feels a little less bright now that he is gone.   How wonderful it will be to see him again in the future.

"Uncle Eddy" was indeed a jokester who made everyone smile. He always gave me hugs and called me "little sis." He was actually my husband's cousin, but will always be "Uncle Eddy."

Eddy cared for and took care of his family with much love. It was great when Joyce and he lived near me for a while. I deeply admired their love, the home improvements Eddy made and the handiwork Joyce did.

I know Eddy is at peace and enjoying paradise without pain. I pray all his family will be comforted by God's promises and look forward to a heavenly reunion. What a day of rejoicing that will be! 

Warren Edward Vennum Sr, or Paw Paw as many of his grandchildren called him, was an incredible man with an indelible spirit.  Having never met a stranger, he lit up a room, with his incredible wit, his charm and Charisma.  He was ready with a laugh, a smile, or a hug for whomever needed it. His family honestly believes his favorite form of communication was a hug.  Knowing him was an incredible honor, and receiving a hug from this incredible man, was like experiencing a hug from Jesus, which is apropos, because like Jesus, he was a carpenter.  His family would like to believe, right now, he’s in heaven measuring wood with Jesus, discussing tools, and building a home for all of us.  Paw Paw, we know your home, pain free and we are beyond happy for you, and thank you for the love, compassion, and the experience of your presence on earth.  While our hearts hurt from you not being here, there is also rejoicing.  You sir are home, waiting to hug all of us again.

Eddy Vennum was an old friend her in his early days in the AF.  I was able to loan him a car to transport his wife Joyce to the hospital for the birth of their daughter, and have them with us for a Christmas meal at my parent's home-- away back in the 1960s.  I'll never forget them.  Goodbye old friend- we'll meet again.

OBITUARY

Warren "Eddy" E. Vennum

13 January, 1944 – 26 May, 2022

Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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