Raymond Duane Venn

Raymond Duane Venn was born September 26, 1931in Nash, Oklahoma to Austin Lewis Venn and Avena (Hunsacker) Venn. He went to his eternal home on April 24 while a resident at Brookdale in Claremore. He attended Crowell Heights Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK.

Raymond graduated from High School in Lenapah, OK then received his Batchelors Degree in Agriculture in 1954 from Oklahoma A & M. Now known as Oklahoma State University. While at Oklahoma A&M he was active in their ROTC program and was an officer at the time he graduated. After graduating college in enlisted in the US Army in 1954.

He married Shirley Alley on August 31, 1975 in Broken Arrow, OK. He had three daughters from a previous marriage, Terri Summers, Tina Venn and Tammy Fallleaf. Shirley had two sons, Randy Alley and Tom Alley.

Raymond served his country for 25 years in the U. S. Army. Retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served two tours in Vietnam while serving as member of the Special Forces. In Vietnam he served as Infantry Unit Commander. He was the recipient of numerous medals and military recognitions. Including the Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Bronze Star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Commendation Metal and many others.

After retirement from the military, Raymond spent his time as a race horse trainer participating in races in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and New Mexico. Most of these trips he was accompanied by his wife Shirley.

Preceding Raymond in death are his parents, Austin and Avena Venn and one sister Rena Venn Dreesen.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Shirley Venn of the home, sons Randy Alley and wife Karen of Broken Arrow, OK, son Tom Alley and wife Lisa of Verdigris, OK. Daughters Terri Summers, daughter Tina Venn and Tammy Falleaf all of Bartlesville, OK.

In addition, 10 grandkids and 17 great grandkids. Plus many other family members and friends.

Pall bearers will be the Military Honor Guard.

A public viewing will be Thursday, April 30 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. A gravesite service is scheduled for Friday, May the 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Oakhaven Memorial Gardens in the Veterans Field of Honor.