Robert Granger Venard

Robert Granger Venard, age 89, of Monmouth, Illinois, died March 1, 2016 in Galesburg, IL after a brief illness with lung cancer. He was a lifelong non-smoker. Bob was born on June 27, 1926 in Monmouth to Robert and Elizabeth (Carlson) Venard. He married Peggy Colley on December 20, 1954 in Oquawka, Illinois. He was a carpenter for 51 years. Bob was a member of the carpenter's union for over 69 years where he served as financial secretary for 8 years. He was a member of the Heritage United Presbyterian Church and the VFW of Monmouth. He continued to work on his own projects until 4 weeks ago. Bob was a Navy veteran of World War II, enlisting the day after graduating from Monmouth High School in 1944. He was a gunner's mate with Naval Advanced Based Unit #12 and participated in the last invasion of WWII at Balikpapan, Borneo, where he remained performing security detail for 8 months. He was then reassigned to Pearl Harbor and honorably discharged in 1946. He traveled to Washington, DC with the Honor Flight for WWII veterans in 2010. Bob was interviewed by the Illinois Veterans and Community Classroom Project. His service recollections video can be seen at: http://ilvets.ltc.k12.il.us/ilvets/VideoGallery/VideoPlayer/TabId/136/VideoId/517/Robert-Venard.aspx Bob enjoyed spending time at his "Sandfarm" in Henderson County, raising watermelons, working with his antique tractors, attending auctions, and spending time with his children. He had a keen interest in history, and an engaging ability to recount his recollections of local history. He went out of his way to help anyone in need, never expecting anything in return. Bob is survived by his wife and three children, Robert Venard, Jr. of Oquawka, IL, Carolyn Cooper of Springfield, IL, Nancy Joann (Jeff) Davis of Chesapeake, VA, his cat, Missy, and his dog, PeeGee. He is also survived by sisters, Lorene Bush of Nashville, TN, Ila Roseberry of Monmouth, IL, and cousin Dorothy May Thompson of Roseville, IL. Five grandchildren; Jennifer (Matt) Howard, Christopher Gorski, Megan Davis, Emily (Danny) Sierra, Robert Alexander Cooper, and four great-grandchildren Dylan, Ashley, Ava, and Lily. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Naomi (Sally) Binder, brother Frank, best friend Howard Speck, and beloved pets including Dude and Little Dude. Bob's family would like to thank Dr. Soyangco and Dr. Patel; the staff at St. Mary Medical Center 4th Floor; Danny Cox, PA, and his staff at the Galesburg VA Clinic.