
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 14, 1991                   TAG: 9104140271
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: D3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

VENSON OLIPHANT, COMPANY FOUNDER, TEACHER, DIES

Venson Oliphant Sr., 72, a former industrial arts teacher with the Roanoke City schools, died Saturday at his home at 827 Grayson Ave. N.W.

Oliphant was the founder of Star City Steam Cleaning Inc. of Roanoke.

In 1975, his company became the first black-owned contractor in Southwest Virginia to qualify to bid on projects of the Virginia Department of Highways.

Surviving are four daughters: Diane Harris, Susan Young, Roanoke; Dorindo Williams, Williamsburg; Lisa Oliphant, stationed in Saudi Arabia; three sons: Venson Oliphant Jr., Stephen Oliphant, Richmond; Reginald Oliphant, Roanoke; two sisters: Reatha Shaw, Savannah, Ga., Juanita Parker, Wadley, Ga.

Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

by CNB