Richard L. Venable

Richard (Dik) L. Venable, 92, of Lakeland, was born Oct. 7, 1926 to Ralph and Stella Venable in Erie, PA and passed away Dec. 22, 2018. Survived by his wife Mary of 72 years, two sons Richard M. and Gerald P. both of Rockville, MD. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Tom and Jerry Venable; and sister Rosemarie Venable Wells.
Dik graduated from Millcreek Twp schools and Gannon University of Erie, PA. He worked for GTE (now Verizon) for 41 years as an equipment engineer and later for Home Depot for 10 years. Dik began his career with GTE in Erie, PA and had many assignments with the company until he transferred to Marion, Ohio as part of the telephone company reorganization. He retired from GTE Ohio in 1987. He and his wife Mary moved to Tampa in 1988 and later to Lakeland in 1996. He was very active in the scouting movement, holding many titles in the process. HE attended the National Scout Jamborees in Valley Forge, PA (’64); Couer De Lane, Idaho (’69); Moraine State Park, PA (’73 & ’77); and World Jamborees in Japan (’71) and Norway (’75). He was named Citizen of the Year- 1969 by GTE and he was awarded the “Silver Beaver” by the Boy Scouts of America, the highest award given to volunteer workers. Dik was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lakeland. Dik and Mary traveled extensively in Europe, Mexico, and Canada in their younger years.
There is no public service planned. A private service for family will be held in the near future.
Memorials in his name may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Lakeland, FL or St. Paul Lutheran Church, Erie, PA

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