Kenneth E. "Ken" Venables

Kenneth E. "Ken" Venables, 64, of Palatka, Fla., passed away Thursday, May 3, 2012, at the Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, in Palatka, following an extended illness. Ken was born in Pittsburgh and had been a resident of Palatka for the past 10 years, coming from Smithfield, R.I. He served honorably in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1984 he received an associate degree in fire science from Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich., and in 2001 he received a bachelor degree in public administration from Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Palatka where he served as an Elder. He also dedicated more than 35 years to fire and emergency services, benefiting Palatka as fire chief from 2002 to 2006, general service director from 2006 to 2008, and serving on the city's planning board. Additionally, he was president of Putnam County's Habitat for Humanity, board of directors and an executive committee and board of directors member for the United Way of Putnam County, Fla. He loved trains and trolleys. Preceding him in death were his mother, Jessie Venables; one brother, Benjamin Venables Jr.; and one grandson, Joseph Venables. Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Karen Venables, of Palatka; his father, Benjamin Venables Sr., of Pittsburgh; two sons and daughter-in-law, Alan Coates, of Pittsburgh, and Richard and Carrie Venables, of Birmingham, Mich.; two daughters and son-in-law, Elizabeth Conley, of Holden, Mass. (and grandson, Spencer Even Conley), and Jennifer and Jon Goodwin, of Pawtucket, R.I.; one brother, Dale Venables, of South Park; and six grandchildren. A celebration of Ken's life will be held at 4 p.m. Monday at the MASTERS FUNERAL HOME in Palatka with the Rev. Robert Scott, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Palatka officiating. Military honors will be bestowed by the Air Force. Masonic Rites will be bestowed by the Pineland Lodge No.86. In honor and celebration of Ken's life, a video tribute will be shown. The family will begin receiving friends one hour before services begin. Friends may sign the guestbook at