Army Veteran William Govaniavic Venus dies delivering medicine amid Texas floods

William Govaniavic Venus, a 57-year-old Army veteran and father of four, tragically lost his life while delivering medicine during the catastrophic floods that swept through central Texas on July 7, 2025.

About William Govaniavic Venus

Venus, who served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years, retired as a command sergeant major and earned multiple honors, including three Bronze Star Medals. After his military career, he continued serving his community by working as a medical courier.

According to Burnet County officials, Venus was swept away by floodwaters near Hamilton Creek. His body was found about a quarter mile from his vehicle, which had been washed off the road. His son, William Venus Jr., flew from Maryland to Texas to search for his father. He posted a viral plea on Facebook that was shared over 6,000 times.

“He was a servant to whatever community he found himself in,” Venus Jr. told People. “It didn’t matter where he was. He was a hero. God would have been better off taking me because he had a whole lot more work he could have done in this world”.

Floods devastated Texas communities

Venus is one of at least five confirmed fatalities in Burnet County, with over 160 people still missing across the region. The floods have devastated communities along the Guadalupe River, leaving a trail of destruction and prompting ongoing search and rescue efforts.