Obituary of Darwyn Lane Venden

Darwyn "Buck" Lane Venden passed away at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on October 7, 2013, at the age of 76. He was a resident of Peyton, Colorado.Darwyn was born August 24, 1937, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Curtis E. Venden and Wilma Roum Venden. He graduated in 1955 from Ridgeway High School, Ridgeway, Wisconsin. He also graduated from Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri, and earned a double Master's degree in Human Relations and Management from Webster College, Webster Grove, Missouri.Darwyn enlisted in the United States Air Force at Volk Field, Madison, Wisconsin, on September 10, 1954. On September 20, 1967, he received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant. He served as a Communications Officer, an Advisor on the Inspector General team, and the Commander of the 4th Combat Communications Squadron, Air Force Commuications Command, Yokota, Japan. He attended Squadron Officers School in 1973, Air Command and Staff College in 1975, and Air War College in 1986. He was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon (twice), Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (twice) and Meritorious Service Medal (four times). He was stationed at Altus AFB, Altus, Oklahoma; Kumejima, Okinawa; Jefferson Barracks, St Louis, Missouri; Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi; Langley AFB, Hampton, Virginia; Scott AFB, Illinois; Tinker AFB, Midwest City, Oklahoma; Yokota AFB, Japan; and Hickam AFB, Honolulu, Hawaii, where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel on December 31, 1990, after over 34 years of service.After retiring from the Air Force, "Buck" enjoyed woodworking and doing remodeling projects for family and friends. He loved being with people and telling cowboy stories. He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and his many pets. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.Darwyn married Doris Arlene Rhoads Venden on September 27, 1959, in Goodland, Kansas. To this union were born three children: Erick W. Venden (Endang) of Riverview, Florida; Virginia "Ginny" L. Venden Broussard (Steven) of Laveen, Arizona; and Rebekkah "Becky" A. Venden Fournier (Troy) of Harrogate, Yorkshire, England. He is survived by his wife, children and nine grandchildren: Hartini Venden Gillard (Adam), Aaron J. Venden, Dewi P. Venden, Arjuna P. Venden, Taylor "TC" C. Broussard, Alexandria "Alex" C. Broussard, Samantha "Sami" M. Broussard, Brook J. Fournier, and Drew N. Fournier. He also has four great grandchildren: Naomi A. and Elijah A. Nassy, Gabriella "Gabby" R. Gillard, and Alexandria "Alex" M. Townsend. He is also survived by two brothers: Curtis W. Venden (Gloria) of Dodgeville, Wisconsin; Terrance "Terry" D. Venden (Debbie) of Harleton, Texas; and Marilyn (the wife of his brother Raphael "Ray" Venden) of Fennimore, Wisconsin; his uncle, Norman Venden of Dodgeville, Wisconsin; and two aunts, Norma Venden of Verona, Wisconsin, and Melva Wilhelm of Lake Worth, Florida; and many nieces and nephews, and cousins. "Buck" is also survived by his faithful canine companion "Betsy" and four horses: "Tigger", "Max", "Diesel" and "Slim".Darwyn was preceded in death by his parents and Brother Ray.Visitation will be held on October 15, 2013, between 11:30am and 1:00pm at The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 E. Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Funeral services will be on October 16, 2013, at 11:00am at The Springs Funeral Services. Memorial contributions may be given to the local Humane Society or the National Kidney Foundation. Please visit www.TheSpringsFuneralServices.com to view Darwyn's online obituary and to send a message of condolence to the family.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Wednesday, October 16, 2013 11:00AM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855