Vernon Mark Ventress Jr.

Vernon Mark Ventress, Jr., age 91, passed away on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born in Baton Rouge on October 27th, 1934, to his loving parents, the late Roberta Nawandy Ventress and Vernon Mark Ventress, Sr. Vernon is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Ellen Ventress. He was the dedicated father of his two children; his son, Mark Andrew Ventress and his wife Eva Ventress; and his daughter, Jennifer Lyle Ventress Duval and her husband Jim Duval; and his cherished grandchildren Ava Manuel Ventress, Boston James Duval, Josephine Pace Duval, and Vivian Lee Batile Ventress.

Vernon attended Natchez High School in Natchez, Mississippi, where he was an All-State first-string quarterback during his senior year. He later attended LSU, graduating with a master’s degree in education and becoming a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Following his service in the United States Army, from which he received an honorable discharge, Vernon began his professional career as a teacher at Istrouma High School and served as a representative for the Science Research Association (SRA). He later worked for Northwestern Mutual, where he remained until his retirement.

He was an active member of many organizations throughout his life, including the Beaver Club Lafayette, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, the Church of the Ascension, Oakbourne Country Club, the Krewe of Gabriel (where he served as a duke), and Red Lerille’s Health Club. In Baton Rouge, he was a devoted member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.

In his spare time, Vernon was an avid golfer and outdoorsman who loved duck hunting, fishing, joke-telling and cruising with his friends. However, his favorite pastime was acorn hunting with his grandchildren when they were toddlers, a joy he treasured deeply.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Audubon Hospice and heartfelt gratitude to the staff and friends of Barclay House of Baton Rouge, especially in the memory care unit, for their compassionate care.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70815 on Saturday, January 17th, 2026. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to a charity of your choice.