Gary Cleff Venema, 68, of Paragould passed away Friday, April 8, 2011. He was born May 19, 1942 at Hudsonville, MI. to Sidney and Jeanette Venema. His friends knew him as ''Yankee". He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Jerry W. Venema. Survivors include his wife, Connie Louise (Collins) Venema of the home; two brothers, Sherwin Venema of Bitely, MI., Alton Venema of Hudsonville, MI.; one son, Gary Venema; one daughter, Vicki Venema both of Grand Jct. MI.; two step daughters, Rene Wogoman of Paragould, Rachel Harmon of Holland, MI.; one step son, Barry Crowder of Pullman, MI.; eighteen grandchildren and four great- grandchildren.Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at Phillips Funeral Home followed by service at 12:00 PM with Pastor John Snyder officiating.Singers will include the First Baptist Church Choir.