Charles Milton Vennard

Charles Milton Vennard, 67, of Palestine, IL, died at 7:02 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at his residence. Charlie was born January 5, 1948 in Russellville, IL, the son of Robert Vennard & Marie Churchwell. Charlie is survived by his children, Aimee Vennard & her fianc, Doug Trump (Palestine, IL), Robbie Vennard & his wife, Tara (Palestine, IL), and Lance Vennard (San Diego, CA); his grandchildren, Cody, Tyson, Bailey, Dawson, Tarryn, Tailar, and Kynlee; his brother & sister-in-law, Louie & Lynn Vennard; his sisters & brother-in-law, Diane & Larry Pierson and Monica O’Dell; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, RobertVennard; his mother, Marie (Churchwell) Miller; and his step-mother, Lucille Vennard. Charlie served his country for a total of 13 years, serving 2 years in the U.S. Army, 4 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, and 7 years in the Air National Guard of Indiana. He was known around Palestine as the “Telephone Man” having worked for Verizon for 35 years before retiring in 2008. Since then, he dedicated himself to volunteer work, having a heart to help others. He most notably spent time at the Palestine Food Pantry, the Lion’s Club shelter at Leaverton Park, and the Terre Haute Special Olympics. He also enjoyed hunting, golfing, and riding his motorcycle. He attended the Palestine Outer West Market Church of Christ, and was a member of the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849, the Palestine Lions Club, the Palestine Eagles Aerie Post #3329, the Palestine AmVets Post #33, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188, the American Legion Post #69, and the Lawrenceville Moose Lodge #779. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Masonic rites will be performed Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30th at the funeral home, with Pastor Tim Watson officiating the service. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, with military rites being held by the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549. Memorials may be made to the Palestine Food Pantry, the Palestine AmVets Post #33, or to the Palestine Lions Club, with envelopes available at the funeral home.