Albert Lee Venter, 86, was born on Sept. 10, 1924, to Albert C. and Alice Venter in rural St. Clair County.
Albert served with distinction in the European Theater of Operations during World War II, participating in four major battles and earning four Bronze Stars.
He married Donnis Mays on Nov. 27, 1947.
He spent the remainder of his life on the family farm on the Sac River near Roscoe. He served for many years on the ASC Committee for St. Clair County and for one term as a school board member of the El Dorado Springs R-2 System. He was a lifelong member of Riverview Bible Church, serving as its pastor for many years. He was an avid Bible student and taught many classes throughout his lifetime.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
Albert Lee is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donnis, of the home; two children, Dr. John Venter - Joplin and Linda Birk -
El Dorado Springs; two grandchildren, Eric Venter - Neosho and Jill Venter - St. Paul, MN; two great-grandchildren, Erica and Eden Venter - Neosho; as well as his brother, Ernest Venter - Rogersville and his sister, Wanda Decker - El Dorado Springs. He was preceded in death by his sister, Opal Keepper, and a grandson, Mark Andrew Venter.
Services were held Thursday, Aug. 11, at Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs, with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. The Greathouse family sang “Amazing Grace” and “Ivory Palaces.” Casket bearers were Darren Mays, Gary Keepper, Doug Mays, Sundance Keepper, Dirk Mays, Eric Venter and Don Birk. Miltary honors were provided by the U.S. Army Bravo Team. Interment was in the Venter Family Cemetery.
