Donnie Lee Vent

Donnie Lee Vent, 74, of Jonesboro, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at his home. He was born April 7th, 1951, to Velda Irvin (Duncan) and Donnie Darrell Vent in Sikeston, MO, and raised in Morehouse, MO. Donnie’s hard work and integrity started at a young age.

On June 7th, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Cathy Culbertson Vent, who survives. Their fifty-six-year marriage and commitment to their family serves as an example for so many. As hard working as he was, his proudest achievements were his two sons, Brian Vent (Cheryl) and Kevin Vent (Amy) who survive. As much as he loved his wife and sons, his two grandchildren, Vaden Vent and Katie Vent, put a sparkle in his eye that could be seen from miles away.

Donnie is also survived by his sister, Sherri Kerr (Phillip). He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Robert Irvin, sister Gayle Childs (Raymond) and brother Jeffery Vent. He leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, and dear friends and former colleagues.

Throughout his career, he never met a stranger and always saw the best in others. He led by example in many facets of his life inside and outside of work. He started at hometown Clarks Grocery, then progressed through the grocery industry with positions at Barkett’s Big Star, a long career with the Safeway organization before finishing his career with Food Giant. He was recognized many times for his creativity and leadership at every stop along the way.

To know Donnie was to know life’s simplest pleasures – Spanish peanuts in RC Cola, Zero candy bars, telling a great Dad joke, hunting, fishing, or even just referring to every waiter or waitress he saw as either Billy or Shirley. His love of hunting started after he received his first shotgun from his father-in-law Edgar Culbertson; he spent as much time at the family farm as he could. His wit was only surpassed by his love for his family that will cherish the many memories of him and his life very well lived.

A devoted husband, proud father, cherished grandfather, beloved uncle, loyal friend, and one of the hardest working individuals you would ever meet, Donnie will be truly missed by the many lives he touched both personally and professionally.

Graveside service will be private.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or Shriners Children's Hospital.