Jack Lavoe Venter

Jack L. Venter passed away on September 16, 2017, at the Southeast Colorado Hospital in Springfield after suffering from congestive heart failure. Jack was born on August 2, 1939, at his grandparent’s home Southeast of Springfield to Eva (Harbert) and Orville Venter. He attended the Liberty school until it consolidated with the Springfield school. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1958, and then went on to college in Durango, Colorado. In May of 1962 Jack Venter and Betty (Locke) Venter got married in the Springfield United Methodist church and made Springfield their home. To this union were born three children Darren, D’Ann, and Denise. Jack worked for the Hill Top Service Station, Baca County FSA office, and Plateau Natural Gas Company in Springfield. In 1965 they moved to Guymon, Oklahoma to pursue Jack’s dream of getting a college degree. Jack provided for his family and worked his way through Panhandle State as a night janitor for General Telephone Company. He graduated from Panhandle State in 1968 with a BS degree in business and economics. He did his student teaching in Guymon, Oklahoma; taught business and economics at the Guymon High School for three years, and taught business and economics at Boise City High School for two years. In 1975, he got to apply his knowledge of business and economics by purchasing and investing in his father-in-law’s farm in Baca County, Colorado at Pritchett. Jack is survived by his wife of 55 years Betty (Locke) Venter, One son Darren (Brenda) Venter of Monte Vista, Colorado, and two daughters; D’Ann (Rusty) Peterson of Perry, Oklahoma, and Denise (Doug) Wood of Manhattan, Kansas. He also leaves 4 grandchildren Cody Peterson (student of OSU), Amanda Peterson (student of OSU), Tia Wood (student of KSU), and Tara Wood (Junior at Manhattan, KS High School). After being hospitalized in LaJunta, Colorado Springs, and Denver, due to his failing health, he was sure thrilled to be back “Home” in Springfield where he was around people he knew and appreciated. Jack will be missed by many friends and family. The family suggests memorial contributions to be given to the SECHD Home Health Agency, MEMO: Jack Venter Memorial, by mailing to 373 E. 10th Ave. Springfield, CO 81073 or mailing by way of the funeral home.