Katie E. Venable

Katie E. (Gamblin) Venable, 88, long time resident of Poplar Bluff died Friday, April 29, 2011 at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mrs. Venable was born March 3, 1923 in Harviell, Mo., and was of the Baptist faith. She worked for the Gossard Garment Factory in Poplar Bluff from 1959 to 1964 and later at factories in St. Louis, Mo. before retiring from the Florsheim Shoe Company in Poplar Bluff. She enjoyed spending time with her family.

On Dec. 19, 1964, she married Leroy Venable in Poplar Bluff. He survives.
From this marriage Mrs. Venable leaves one son, David Venable of Poplar Bluff.

Her first husband Thurman Robert Breece, Sr., who she married on Aug. 31, 1940 in Oxly, Mo. preceded her on July 27, 2002. Eight children were born from this union: three sons, Thurman Robert Breece, Jr. of Arlington, Texas (who preceded her on July 28, 2006), Charles Herbert Breece of Ellsinore, Mo. and Abraham Breece of Gulfport, Miss.; five daughters, Lucy Jane Breece of Poplar Bluff, Kathleen A. Walton of Jacksonville, Fla., Lavern G. Gilbertson of Indianapolis, Ind., Lois R. Alexander of Wappapello, Mo. and Joanna Merrell of Belatho, Ill.; 27 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Her parents, William Joseph Jr. and Betty Elizabeth Rigdon Gamblin and sister, Julie Harris also preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the funeral chapel with Rev. Jerry Lemons officiating. Burial will be at Antioch Cemetery in Oxly, Mo.

Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.