Joseph L. VARNER

VARNER, Joseph L. - Age 87, of Flint, MI died Monday, May 25, 2009 at Avalon Hospice. Joe's life will be celebrated at a 1:30PM funeral service Friday, May 29, 2009 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek with Pastor Renee Varner officiating. Burial immediately following at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery, 2020 E. Hill Road, Grand Blanc. Visitation will be held 2-9PM Thursday at the funeral home with a Masonic Service at 7PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Avalon Hospice. Joe was born March 30, 1922 in Van Lear, Kentucky, the son of George Walter Varner and Myrtle Pugh Varner, both of Van Lear, Kentucky. He married Dolores Jones on February 15, 1946. She preceded him in death on August 1, 2006. Joe served in the U.S. Army from 1941-1945 during World War II. He was discharged August, 1945, having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant with Company E 35th Infantry. He proudly served our country in the Central Pacific, Guadalcanal, Luzon, Northern Solomons Islands and the Philippines. Before moving to Michigan, he worked for Copperson Coal Company (1947-1950) in Copperson, West Virginia. He moved to Michigan in 1951, working at G.M./Chevrolet Manufacturing until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of Local #659. Joe owned and operated a Sand and Gravel Trucking for many years. He was a member of Morningstar Masonic Lodge #556 F&AM and a member of Faith United Baptist Church. Joe enjoyed food, wrestling, jokes, camping, traveling, frequent trips to the Casino and family get-togethers. He was preceded in death by his parents; his precious and devoted wife, Dolores; his son, Jerry Allen Varner of Flint, Michigan; his granddaughter, Jennifer Varner of Flint, Michigan; 2 brothers, William Varner of Ypsilanti, Michigan and George Varner of California; his sister, Rose Tallon of Shelby, OH. Surviving are: 3 children, Michael J. and wife Renee of Swartz Creek, Connie and husband Carl Clark of Flushing, Lovena and husband Ron Ramberg of Swartz Creek; 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Mollett of Shelby, Ohio; sister-in-law, Mary Varner of California; sister-in-law, Virginia Salyers of Swartz Creek; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends, including special friend, Grady Gossett. Condolences and tributes may be shared with the family on the obituaries page at sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Thursday, May 28, 2009 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States