George R. Venis of Crawfordsville passed away Tuesday morning at home.  He was 80.

Mr. Venis was a member of First Christian Church in Crawfordsville and a life member of the VFW in Lebanon.  He enjoyed yard work and landscaping, especially mowing at the Country Club golf course.  He was an avid sports fan, watching auto racing and rooting for Purdue, the Colts, and the Pacers.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family and attending his grandchildren's activities.

Born June 1, 1943, in Crawfordsville, he was the son of Carl Venis and Nora Boxwell Venis.  He graduated from Thorntown High School in 1963 and then served in the Navy.  After his discharge, he worked driving a tanker truck for Marathon.  He married Karen McCance on Sept. 17, 1972.  She survives.

Other surviving family includes son, Ryan (Andrea) Venis of Crawfordsville; three grandchildren, Emerie, Liam, and Kenan; several nieces and nephews; and his canine "grand dog," Meadow.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Timothy Scott Venis, two sisters, Carolyn Venis, Norma Surber, and Norma's husband, Larry Surber.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Nov. 11th, at First Christian Church, 211 S. Walnut Street, with a gathering from 2 to 4 PM, followed by a celebration of life at 4 PM, led by Pastor Darla Goodrich.  Arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau, Crawfordsville Band Boosters, First Christian Church Crawfordsville, or AAMMR, Inc. (www.aammr.org).