Dewitt William “Bill” Venner

A memorial service for Dewitt William “Bill” Venner, 79, Lawrence, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2014 at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. He died on February 15, 2014 at his home.

He was born March 2, 1934, in Richmond, VA, the son of Dewitt W. and Frances (Bass) Venner.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict, he graduated from VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) in Richmond, VA with a degree in Business Administration.

He was a sales manager for Unijax Mass Distributors for 37 years, and also worked in the waste recycling management field.
Bill loved attending live theatre performances and was a season member to Theatre Lawrence and New Theatre Restaurant in Kansas City. He was very active in sports and played tennis and racket ball, as well as swimming and skiing. Travel was another of his favorite activities especially spending time on a beach or taking a cruise.

He moved to Lawrence in 2000 to be with his companion Charlotte M. Sparkes. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include two sons; Kevin W. Venner, Keith A. Venner, wife Judith, all of Richmond, VA; two brothers; Allen Licklider, wife Sara, of Knoxville, TN, Ralph Johnson, wife Sandra, of Richmond, VA; one grandson; Haden Venner and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Broaddus of Richmond, VA.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Grace Hospice, Lawrence Free Methodist Church, or Lawrence Humane Society in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary.