Obituary of Robert L. Venton

WARRENSBURG: Robert Lockwood Venton, Sr., 96, of Fourth Avenue, Warrensburg, passed peacefully into his Savior’s arms at Slate Valley nursing Home in Granville, after a long bout of Alzheimer’s.  A big thank-you to the staff there for caring for him since May of 2022!

Born March 13, 1928, in Syracuse, NY, he was the son of the late Robert James Venton and H. Anita (Murray) Venton.

Bob attended elementary school in Warrensburg, NY, later graduating from Acadia-Duarte High School in Monrovia, CA.  He studied animal husbandry at Arizona State College and California Polytechnic Institute at San Luis Obispo, CA.

Spending the school year out west, he returned to Athol summers to work as a wrangler at Sun Canyon Ranch, his father’s dude ranch in Athol.  His mother also ran Robinhood Lodge in Warrensburg.

Bob met his future wife, Shirley Stevens, when she as a guest at Sun Canyon.  They married on June 18, 1949, at the Congregational Church in Reading, MA, and lived in several locations in the east and west before building the family house on High Street in Athol about a mile from the ranch.  Among other things, he built houses and replaced many roofs in the area.  He was one of the builders and charter member of Christ Community Church in Athol.

Bob was an only child, a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather.  He wore a number of “hats,” a few being cowboy, carpenter, and piano player (by ear!) but, most importantly, born-again Christian…a sinner saved by grace!

Bob is pre-deceased by his wife of 49 years Shirley Mae (Stevens) Venton, a daughter-in-law Sarah Venton, grandsons Wayne, Timothy, and Daniel Swartwout, his second wife of 12 years Mildred (Levine) Venton, and a very special girlfriend in the nursing home Sharon Mickel.

Bob is survived by four children: Robert Lockwood Venton, Jr. and his wife Bertha of El Paso, TX, Mrs. Guy (Lyn Dee) Swartwout of Pottersville, NY, Steven Frank Venton of Warrensburg, NY, Mrs. Richard (Lori Lee) Schmeckpeper of Sulligent, AL; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his wonderful, protective roommate at the nursing home “Sonny” Coltey.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in his honor to:  Christ Community Church, PO Box 120, Athol, NY 12810, Slate Valley Nursing Home, 10421 State Route 40, Granville, NY 12832 and Alzheimer’s Association, 1003 New Loudon Rd., Cohoes, NY 12047.

Visitation will begin at 9am, followed by a memorial service at 10m on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Christ Community Church, 373 Athol Rd., Athol, with Pastor William Lucia officiating.  Burial will follow at Warrensburg Cemetery.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guest book and directions.