Robert J. Venable

Robert J. Venable, 90, of Springfield, passed away at 10:23 p.m. on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at St. John's Hospital. Robert was born on January 31, 1925 in Springfield, the son of George and Bernadine Wortman Venable. Robert was a graduate of Springfield High School and served his country in the Army Air Force during WWII. He was employed by Custom Construction for 25 years and then Loftus Construction for several years before retirement in 1987. Robert was a member of St. Agnes Holy Name Society, 4th Degree K of C #364, Bishop Griffin General Assembly, former member of American Legion, life member of DAV Hall Hagler Chapter, and a volunteer for the Muni Opera and St. John's Breadline. In his younger days, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and coaching baseball. He was an avid Cardinals and Notre Dame fan and also enjoyed watching golf. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and four sisters. He is survived by his companion, Crystal Venable of Springfield; one son, David L. Venable of Springfield; three daughters, Deborah (Steve) Cartwright of Dawson, Dena (Dave) Figueira of Springfield and Danette (John) Thurman of Springfield; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 2016 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 North Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. Robert J. Jallas, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Agnes Building Fund, 245 North Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702 or St. John's Breadline, 430 North 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702.