Frank Venus, age 86, formerly of Marion, IL passed away at 9:40 a.m. Thursday, in Franklin Hospital in Benton, IL.
He was born, on Friday, July 13, 1923 in Creal Springs, IL the son of Vernie Frank and Rhoda M. (Gilley) Venus.
Frank was united in marriage to Geraldine Edwards, September 4, 1946 in West City, IL and together they shared over forty-nine years of marriage until her death May 5, 1996.
He answered the call of our nation by faithfully serving in the United States Army during World War II and received the World War II Victory Medal and was honorably discharged on June 4, 1947.
He was a member of the Apostolic House of Worship in Marion for many years.
He owned the Venus Farm Implement Business of Anna, IL for many years and was in sales most of his life.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Darrell W. and Lora Venus of Energy, IL; granddaughter, Evangeline Venus of Herrin, IL; two grandsons, Darren Venus and his wife, Danielle of Herrin and Justin Venus of Energy, IL; two great-grandsons, Grant and Grayson Venus of Herrin, IL; sister, Jean Barham of Gainesville, GA and niece Crevolyn Wiley and husband, Darrell of Gainesville, GA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Geraldine Venus.
Arrangements for Frank Venus were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL.
A time of visitation for family and friends was from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
The memorial service was at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 17, 2010, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Schierbaum and Rev. Terry Griffith presiding.
The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections.
Special vocal musical selection presented was “Going Home” by “The Venus Trio” consisting of Darren and Daniele Venus and Evangeline Venus.
Comments of memory were presented by Mr. Venus’ sister, Jean Barham.
Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion, IL.
Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of the V.F.W. Heyde-Pillow Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 and the Illinois National Guard all of Marion, IL.
Those participating were Commander, Dan Fruge; Chaplain, Roger Hines;Officer of the Day, Ernie Rinella; Bugler, Bill Deaton; Color Guard, Jessie James and Glen Taylor; National Colors, Calvin James;firing Squad, Dustin Whitehead, Dale Heltsley, Brian Samuel, Dale “Squeek” Wilson, Bill Reynolds, Ron Russell and Don Burgrabe.
National Guard Flag Detail members participating were PVT Garrett Lukens and SPC Jacob Martin. Presentation of the flag to Mr. Venus’ son, Darrell was by SPC Jacob Martin.
For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.
