On Thursday, December 30, 2021, Gary Stephen Venable passed away at the young age of 74.

Gary was born in Springfield, MO on July 14, 1947, to HJ and Thelma (Dunlap) Venable. He graduated from Parkview High School and earned his Bachelor of Science degree, as well as his Certificate in Accounting, at Southwest Missouri State University. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam. He married the love of his life Janna (Casey) Venable in 1983 on the coldest December 24 on record, with his two children from a previous marriage, James (Jim) and Lori, at their side. Gary and Janna had three children together, Lauren, Christopher, and Sarah, and raised them in Springfield, MO where Gary practiced as an independent CPA for almost 50 years.

Gary was the BEST person most of us have ever met. He was the best husband, always surprising his bride with flowers for no reason and constantly telling her how much he loved her. He was the best dad, never missing a game or award ceremony or phone call from his kids. He was the best Papaw, always asking and talking about his grandkids and lovingly giving them all nicknames. He was the best volunteer, serving often with the Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma Club and helping raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield. He was the best CPA, taking great care of his clients and was so knowledgeable and honest in his profession. He was the best friend, always so generous and he loved making people laugh. He was truly the BEST. He loved God, his family, sports, music (especially 70s and Jazz) traveling, concerts, the beach, the St. Louis Cardinals, golfing, attending as many MSU and Drury basketball games as possible, talk radio, cigars, and a glass of good scotch.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents HJ and Thelma. He is survived by his loving wife Janna; his five children Jim, Lori, Lauren (Seth) Wilmes, Christopher (Leslie), and Sarah (Luis) Percovich; all of his amazing grandchildren Alyssa, Madalyn, Kinley, Griffin, Harrison, Isabella, and Halstyn; his sister Jane (Rick) Kessinger; several cousins, nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, MO from 5-7pm. Masks will be required at the visitation out of respect for Gary and his family and friends. A private family graveside service will be held at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Springfield where Gary will be laid to rest near his parents. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in memory of Gary Venable to the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield.