Richard Eugene Venson

From the moment that he was born, he brought joy and love. Richard Eugene Venson was born the 5th child of Louis Venson and Anna Mae Thomas Venson on August 15,1939 in Pittsburgh, PA. His brothers and sisters were delighted to welcome their baby brother, and they joyfully proclaimed him their “baby brother” throughout their lives showering him with love and always there for his support throughout their lives. His life was one of strong family bonds.

Richard graduated from Oliver High School in Pittsburgh, PA. He received his degree in Mechanical Engineering Design, Engineering Design from the University of Pittsburgh.

He met Rosa Linda Viney and they married July 1978. Together, they spent 47 years of love, commitment, raising their family, supporting each other through triumphs and trials, traveling, giving to their community and serving in their faith. Richard and Linda lived a devoted life in Columbus, OH where he worked as a Mechanical Engineer at American Electrical Power from 1986 until his retirement.

Richard was a man of integrity, compassion, strength and intelligence, as well as strong faith. As a devout Jehovah’s Witness, he was devoted to working tirelessly to bring nonbelievers of the faith to a personal relationship with God.

Richard will be remembered as a man whose true passions were his unshakable faith, devotion to his family, dancing, singing and fishing (He loved the peace of the sport. Catching a fish was a bonus).

Richard’s faith sustained him through sorrow and loss. He was preceded in death by his first wife JoAnne Smith Venson; his parents, Louis & Anna Mae Venson; his sister, Dorothy Venson Elliott; his brother, Leonard Venson; and his children: Cassandra Lee Venson, and Fred Poindexter.

Richard Eugene Venson transitioned peacefully on August 13, 2025. He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory, his devoted wife Rosa Linda Venson; children, Richard E. Venson, Jr. (Angela); Cheryl Venson Stone (Thomas); and Darrell Venson all of Columbus, OH; a sister Phyllis Christine Clark, Pittsburgh, PA; a brother, Dr. Louis A. Venson, Jr. (Alice), Jacksonville, FL; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.