John Edward Gelvin, age 86, of Venice, died on September 20, 2006. He was born in Batesville, Indiana on March 14, 1920, and moved to the Venice area in 1988. He attended Harvard University and graduated from DePauw University. Mr. Gelvin served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant and pilot in the Pacific Theater. He worked for the Batesville Casket Company for 37 years, earning the distinction as a charter member of the Batesville Casket Company Masters Club. Mr. Gelvin served as a director, Chairman of the Board, and CEO of Citizens National Bank in Norwalk, Ohio. He also served as director of the Norwalk Community Development Corporation, and was a charter member of the Norwalk Rotary Club. Mr. Gelvin was a member of the Jacaranda Country Club, the Venice Yacht Club, the Venice Golf and Country Club and the Plumbrook Country Club in Ohio. He was very active in both the Christ United Methodist Church and the Norwalk 1st United Methodist Church. Surviving family members include his fianc� Jeanne M. Booth, of Venice, Florida; daughter in law Deborah Gelvin of Norwalk; grandchildren Heather E. and husband Scott Womack of Austin, Texas; Andrew J. and wife Faith Gelvin of Taos, New Mexico and Brady J. Gelvin of Norwalk, Ohio; great grandchildren Adeline Womack and Felix Gelvin. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen; and sons William J. Gelvin II, and John E. “Jake” Gelvin. Visitation will be at Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel on Sunday, September 24th from 2-4, 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church on Monday, September 25th, 11 AM. Burial will be in Ohio. Memorial donations can be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 1475 Center Rd. Venice, FL 34292. Friends may visit anytime online at www.farleyfuneralhome.com to sign a guest register book and extend condolences to the family.