Troy Edward Venable of Sarasota, Florida passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the age of 93. After several months of declining health, Troy died peacefully with his beloved wife Erma and his best friend and son, Steven, by his side.

Troy was born in Pottsville, Arkansas on January 26, 1929, to father William Charles Venable and Mother Dollie Opal (Martin) Venable. The second of nine children, Troy didn't have the opportunity for much formal education, but rather spent his youth farming and playing baseball. His work ethic and desire to lead a better life led him to enlist in the Army Air Corps during World War II at age 17. He became a part of the Air Force upon its founding in 1947 and forever remained patriotic and loyal to the Air Force Blue.

At the end of the war, Troy returned to Kennett, Missouri and wed the love of his life of 73 years in 1949, Erma Jean Lebo. Together they had three children; a daughter, Judith Ann Venable (born July 29, 1950, deceased November 26, 1950), two sons Steven (who resides in Sarasota, Florida) and Scott (US Army, who lives in Elmhurst, IL). Together, Troy and Erma moved to Rockford in 1951 where he worked for the Quaker Oats Company for 35 years where he founded and led a labor union. Troy retired in 1986 and moved to Sarasota, Florida. Known by many as the "Iron Man," Troy beat Cancer four times, a heart attack two times and even COVID-19 earlier this year. His love of fishing was only exceeded by his love for his family and three grandchildren.

Troy was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers Carl, Billy, Kenneth, James and his sister Wanda May Kimbrell. He is survived by his wife Erma Jean Venable; children Steven Troy Venable, Stefanos (Scott Allen) Venable (wife Deborah); grandchildren Valeria-Jean Maria Venable, Joshua-Costantinos Troy Venable and Zachary-Brock Vasilios Venable; brothers William Venable, David Venable and Jerry Venable.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett. Funeral Services will be 11:15 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the McDaniel Chapel in Kennett. Reverend Doug Clinton officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery with Military Funeral Honors.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett will be in charge of the arrangements.

online condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice .