From WRIL The Big One -
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, Bell County Jailer Robin Venable passed away after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer. While Robin’s passing has affected so many, the untimely task of appointing a new jailer is still a difficult reality.
On Thursday afternoon the 29th at 2:00 pm on the second floor of the Bell County Courthouse someone very familiar with the jail and its daily operations will be tapped to take over.
Bell County Judge Executive Albey Brock will be appointing and swearing-in Robin Venable’s wife Barbara to finish the term. Judge Brock says: “It’s my honor to appoint Barb to finish Robin’s term as jailer. I take the appointment responsibility very seriously and have all confidence Barb is up to the task of furthering Robin's vision for the jail. She has worked closely with Robin over the last year and has an acute understanding of what is required to operate the jail.”
Mrs. Venable says that one of the last things her husband asked her to do before he passed was to finish out his term as jailer in order to finish what he started back in 2022.
She went on to say: “I have worked alongside Robin, especially during the last year when he got really sick, and I have seen firsthand what it takes to accomplish what he started. I look forward to doing that. I would like to thank Judge Brock for having the confidence in me to allow me to honor my husband’s wishes. I look forward to this challenge and I look forward to serving Bell County.”