John E. Venable Jr. 1965-2025

He was born Dec. 11, 1965, in Youngstown, the son of John E. Sr. and Barbara Jean Fowler Venable, residing in the area for 25 years, coming from Campbell. He was a 1984 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and attended Youngstown State University.

John was employed with the Ohio State Penitentiary Department of Corrections for 24 years as a corrections officer, retiring in 2015. He also served as a member of the honor guard.

His hobbies included sports, music, cars, motorcycles and traveling with his family. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Ohio State Buckeyes fan.

He married the love of his life, Veronica Lynette Walker Venable, on July 1, 1989, whom he met at the age of 19.

Besides his wife of Youngstown, he leaves to mourn one son, Brian D. (Molly) Venable of Tampa, Florida; one daughter, Mrs. Ashley Jalohn (Terrill) Vidale of Canfield; his father, John E. Venable Sr. of Youngstown; three brothers, Anthony Venable of Lansing, Michigan, Jason (Carita) Venable and Jared Venable, both of Birmingham, Alabama; one sister, Ms. Shanise Clark of Youngstown; two nieces, Ms. Courtney Walker of Youngstown and Ms. Marche’ Venable of Poland; two aunts, Ms. Thelma Palmer of Campbell and Mrs. Barbara (Gene) Gregory of Canfield; one uncle, Eddie Palmer of Youngstown; mother-in-law, Ms. Ruth Walker of Youngstown; his best friend since childhood, Brian Smith of Titusville, Florida; his beloved granddog Bentley; and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Jean Fowler Venable; grandmother, Mrs. Marian Parker; and grandfather, Frank Higgins.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at New Bethel Baptist Church, with calling hours from 10 to 11 a.m.

Condolences for the family may be sent to Mrs. Ashley Vidale, 6787 Langston Run, Canfield, OH 44406.

Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home.

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