Leslie Thomas Venable, age 70 of Miles City, MT passed away peacefully at his home on July 21, 2019.
Tom, aka: “Tommy” or “Tommy Ol’ Coyote” was born on October 5, 1948 in Miles City to N. Don and Bonnie (Boe) Venable. At the age of five, his family moved to Glendive when they purchased the sale barn. He attended elementary school and junior high school in Glendive. They moved back to Miles City in 1963 when they purchased the sale barn in Miles City and he attended Custer County School as a freshman where he had to learn to be “fast and learn how to fight.” He excelled in many sports such as football, basketball and baseball. If there was a ball involved, Tommy mastered it. After graduating with the class of 1966, Tom earned a football scholarship to Eastern Montana College in Billings. He broke his leg his freshman year of college and returned home shortly after. Tom had two sons, Ryan and Warren with Virginia Ronning, and a son Hayes with Charity Aguirre. He worked at the Pauley ranch, in the oil fields on the Hi-Line as well as installed flooring in the Miles City area for many years. Tom enjoyed softball, racquetball, hunting, fishing, city league basketball, his occasional time behind the bar, and drinking beer and BBQ-ing in his garage. He also enjoyed his time at Rock Springs farming, riding his four wheelers and keeping track of his animals, such as his Bull named Friday. Tom loved watching his kids compete at their sporting events. Later on in life, his grandkids were the light of his eye and he was their biggest fan and supporter. You would commonly catch Tom making his rounds in his white Ford pickup, checking up on his family and will continue to do so from afar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Bonnie Venable, two sisters, Linda and Betty Lou, brothers in law, Roger Steffanich and Bob McDermott and his grandparents on both the Venable and Boe sides of the family.
Tom is survived by Charity Aguirre of Miles City; his three sons: Ryan (Jill) Venable of Billings, MT, Warren (Sarina) Venable of Miles City and Hayes (Tess) Venable of Miles City; his sisters Suzi Steffanich, Kay McDermott, Rita (Ron Oens) Venable and Terri (Al) French; half-brother Donnie Joe Venable; his grandchildren: Carter, Sophie, Elise, Ashley, Jayden, Kyler, Warren and Verlyn. He is also survived by his Aunt Laverne, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and two special girls: Carla & Carrie.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2019 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2019 at the Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will be held in the family plot at the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a youth charity of their choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 25, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 25, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 26, 2019
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 25, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 25, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 26, 2019
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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M J CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Ken and Karen Strobel says
So sorry to hear this news. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. So many memorable and exciting times we had with Tom.
Garth Sleight says
I was so sorry to see this in tonight’s newspaper. My sincere condolences to all of the Venable family. Way too soon!!
Mick & Sandy Gapay says
To our friend, baseball and softball teammate and someone who was good to our boys when they were young, our condolences and may god be with you. To Toms family, our deepest sympathies and condolences.
Mick & Sandy Gapay
Nancy Ugrin Bond says
From my earliest years Tommy was there. Running with my big brother Joe, all over Miles, they were great friends and taught us-the kiddos around them what friendship truly meant. I will never forget that wry smile-Tom was forever joking and poking fun but you knew he was seldom serious. I could see in his way of being how Tom respected his parents and cared for his family. My deepest sympathy to Charity, Tom’s wonderful boys and grands. Love and Warmest regards to The entire Venable family-god bless.
Dennis Lordemann says
I have so many great memories of playing ball with Tommy when we played for Trails Inn. My deepest sympathy for Charity and his family. He was a good man.
Darold & Sylvia Zimmer says
Thoughts and prayers for all the family… too young..
Jeanne Cline says
I will miss seeing him sitting in the outfield at Denton and hollering for me to slow down in the Jaycee parking lot!!! One of a kind…much love to you all.
JR & Carol Bean says
So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Joan Bunke says
Charity and family,
I am sorry for your loss. Tom was a nice guy.
Joan Schmidt Eddy Bunke
Laura Sevier says
Charity and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Tom was a great friend. It was fun having him help figure out pumpkin clues.
He will be greatly missed
Rissa and Ian Seabolt says
Charity and Hayes so sorry to hear this, such a shock. He will be so missed, a great neighbor. May you find comfort from our heavenly father as well as our community. Hugs to you.
Ray and Sheri Clauson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Charity, Ryan, Warren, Hayes, and the whole Family, Our condolences on your loss of Tom. Many great memories and stories shared with Tom. He will be missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Doug and Diane
Patrick Stoltz says
I am sorry to see this. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Punky Mann says
Thoughts and prayers for all of Toms family
Abe says
RIP
Mike and Peanuts Money-Bozeman,MT says
He was one of kind-He cared about what life is-Loved his family and always cared about his friends and helping each out-We will miss him- I will dearly miss his calls to terrorize me about my Dallas Cowboy! Ride on OLD Coyote!!!
Diane Welbes says
So sorry for your loss-Tom & my brother were good friends. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Tracy Bertrand says
Thoughts and prayers to the Venable family. Lots of great memories, and great times with Tom, through sports and family, we will miss you!
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
So sorry for your loss. My sincere sympathy to all the family.
Libertie Aguirre says
Our condolences and deepest sympathy from my family to yours. We will be praying for you in this difficult time.
Paul & Amy Hartman & Katie says
Our most heartfelt condolences to Warren, Sarina and children. What a great loss to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda Bowers says
Charity, Ryan, Warren and families, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I always enjoyed him during the summer at Bender park and the good old softball days. So sorry for your loss.
Kelly Tierney says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of your father. We will be thinking of you and saying prayers for comfort during this very hard time. All our love, Kelly and Kevin
Slade and Lynnette says
Warren and family, Praying for Gods comfort for you all at this most difficult time.
Jan Munroe says
Dear Charity,Ryan, Warren. Hayes, and grandchildren, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Tommy was one of the first people we met in Miles City back when he played softball. Always a twinkle in his eye. ( and a sneeze in his nose if he was around kitties) We will all miss him. Jan
Terry Stewart says
In front of the Gaslight one night, about 1970 something, I will always remember Tom standing between me and another guy who was ready to take my head off. Tom was instrumental, and very forceful, in convincing the other guy to back down. I was sure I had met my demise that night but Tom saved me from a beating. He was a great neighbor and I was always thankful for his ability to either diffuse the situation, or take it upon himself to cure the problem. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to Charity and Hayes.
Larry French says
RIP Tom
Ron & Marilyn Frize says
To all of Tom’s family, our deepest sympathy.
Shawna Rothaus says
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. 💔
Kim Stanton says
Dear Families,
So saddened to read of the passing of your loved one. It’s my prayer and hope you will all find hope and healing. May our loving Father envelop each of you in His love today.
With prayers and sympathy,
Kim Stanton and family
Scott & Voni Tally says
Our thoughts & prayers are with you! We are so sorry for your loss.
JAMES ARNESON says
Charity and family, May God comfort you during this time of loss and always. Rest in peace Tom.
Charlie Gunther says
Thinking of you, Charity, and lifting you & your family up in prayer.
Sharon Wetsch says
Venable Family..
I was so sorry to see that Tommy passed. He was forever bugging his little sister Kay and me as we played as children. Later in life I ran into him again as I played softball in Miles City. He never changed with that contagious smile and great sense of humor. We had many years of friendship and he never quit being a character. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Tommy…..
Kay Baxter says
So sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. My sympathy to his family.
Lori Price says
Charity and family I am so sorry to hear about Tom passing. Prayers for strength at this time.
Debi Rapstad says
My thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family at this time – lots of memories of Tom while growing up in Miles City; he will be missed by many! Take care.
Carol Clepper says
I am so sorry to hear about Tommy – I graduated with him in 1966. He was a great guy and one of the best point guards the Custer Cowboys ever had! Peace be with you Tom and your family.
Christine Gregory says
Dear Charity,
We were saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. We are sending you, Hayes and Tom’s family our deepest sympathy. Tom spent his time on earth living well, not sitting it out! May the Lord lift your spirits and bring you comfort.
Jeff and Chris Gregory
Donna Orthman says
So sorry for the loss for Tom’s family and friend’s
Jo Meidinger says
Charity and Tom’s Family
I’m sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. My Deepest Sympathy.
Doug and Teri Zook says
To the Family of Tom Venable:
We were surprised and saddened to hear that Tom died.
During our high school years, We were all friends, and Doug enjoyed playing high school basketball on the same team as Tom for the Custer County Cowboys!:)
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Doug and Teri Zook
Donna Sweeney says
My dear Charity,
I was so sorry to read of Tom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God’s care and comfort be with you.
Donna Sweeney
Donna & Mark Sindelar says
Charity & family: So sorry for your loss. Hope good memories help you thru this difficult time. Take care!
Gloria Compton says
So sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God’s comfort and peace surround you and all the family and friends.
Scott & Sue Jens says
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Barbara Ashley says
Charity and family. So sorry for you loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
So very sorry for your loss. Many memories of a one of a kind great guy!! Thoughts and prayers for you all!!
Maureen Larson says
To all of Tom’s family – I’m so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Teresa A Geib Bacon says
I hadn’t seen Tommy since HS, was so sad to hear the news. My Condolences to the Family and Friends
Malia McDermott says
All my love to the family. I wish I could be there with you. I hope you are comforted by your happy memories of Uncle Tommy.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Charity and Family: We are so sorry . Our sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Cathi Peila
Rob Shipley says
Tom Venable, where does anyone begin ? Bobbie Pauley and I became the very best and closest of friends anyone could ever have anywhere on the small planet. Tommy was Bobbie’s cousin. Holy Father GOD afforded me two (2) sets of parents, Ship and Mary, and, Bob and Laverne Pauley.
I can write pages and pages of the hell we three raised at the ranch. When Tommy roped a calf and wrapped him around a big cottonwood, very much to, “Uncle Bob’s chagrin”. When the three of us poached a HUGE mule deer buck all three could hardly load into the pickup one night with flashlights.
In high school Mary taught English and told me about a certain saint, Venerable Bede. I gleaned from this similarity a nickname for Tommy, “Venable Bede”, or, “Bede”.
Reflect for a long time, a very long time, the legacy of the Pauley and Venable families in eastern Montana and Glendive and Miles City and Billings. Powerful people, wonderful people.
Tommy, I will spent eternity with you in Heaven forever and ever and ever and ever and ever.
I love you, Tom, I always have.
Steven Hathaway says
To Ryan, Warren and the Venable family…so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories with Thomas. Playing softball and we played way too much golf. Tommie was like the older brother I never had. This is so sad. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Steve Hathaway
Bob cook says
Venable family, I am so sorry to learn of Tommy’s passing. So sorry. Played softball with Tommy back in the day,and had some telephone conversations in the past. Was a great friend!!
Ralph Pool says
i was a very close friend of Donnie Venable, cousin to Herm Venable, we were all three vintage 1959. Donnie lived with his Grandmother and he Gary Whitman and I spent a lot of time together. Donnie and I spent many, many hours of fun and enjoyable time in Miles City and Glendive.
Gary moved to Glendive, I believe it had to do with his parents moving, he stayed with Donnie until school was out then moved. Donnie moved later.
I do not remember Tom Venable?