Howard Wesley Venners passed away peacefully at the age of 92 in Brownsburg, Indiana on October 31, 2023, surrounded by family members. He was born on December 28, 1930 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the only child of Earl and Ruth Venners.

Growing up in Minnesota, Howard became fond of the outdoors at an early age and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and winter sports. He earned his bachelor's degree in forestry at the University of Minnesota and then served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. Following his honorable discharge, he became a quality control inspector for Western Electric (which later became AT&T), where he remained until his retirement in 1989. Later in his career he earned a second bachelor's degree in business administration from Butler University.

When in Louisville, Kentucky he met his first wife, Rheada (nee Sanders), while ice skating and ultimately put down roots in Indianapolis in the Chapel Hill neighborhood. They had three children before Rheada's untimely death, after which he was introduced to and married Dorothy Ellis, a widow with three children of her own. They raised their six children in a house they built in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Howard was an outgoing individual with a quick smile and easy laugh who loved three-week camping vacations that took him and his family throughout the United States and Canada. He also volunteered his time generously with both the Chapel Hill Lion's Club and the Lutheran Church. Howard was twice the President of the Lions Club and could be found every Memorial Day serving food at the Lion's Club stand at the Indy 500, as well as manning the sweet corn booth at the annual State Fair. Every year he hosted a collection of "select" donated items at the Lion's Club Tent Sale named "Howie's Junque." These events were fundamental in raising funds for philanthropic causes. He was also an avid bowler in several bowling leagues, occasionally winning a trophy, but more importantly to him, being with his teammates and friends. Howard lived by his mantra - "busy, busy, busy."

Howard is pre-deceased by his parents, first wife Rheada, and one son, David. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; daughters Cindy (Doug), Christine, and Jenny (Stan); his sons Bill (Siew) and Scott (Lung Chuan); his eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 9-11am with funeral services at 11am on Saturday November 4 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church at 701 E Tilden Dr., Brownsburg, Indiana. The burial will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Plainfield, Indiana followed by a fellowship lunch at Living Christ Lutheran Church in Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Howard's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or the Chapel Hill Lion's Club of Indianapolis.