Richard (Dick) Keith Varner, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2020. Dick was born January 29, 1933 to Harold and Helen (Berry) Varner in Auburn, Indiana. He moved with his family to Tekonsha, MI. at the age of three. He attended Tekonsha Schools excelling in football, basketball and baseball throughout high school while also working at The Tekon truck stop as an auto service attendant. Upon graduation, Dick enlisted in the US Army completing basic training at Fort Custer and serving from 1952 until 1954. He was stationed in Hawaii prior to being deployed to Germany during the Korean Conflict. After returning from overseas, Dick married Jean K. Clifton and together they had four children before ending their marriage.
Dick went to work at Crowell Carton for 10 years. He then went to work at the Kellogg Company where he worked in the packing department, cook room, processing and as a night watchman in security.
Aside from his strong work ethic, Dick was very athletic and played on many Kellogg intramural sports teams including bowling leagues, golf and softball teams. He shared his love of sports with his children and grandchildren, including his beloved Detroit Tigers. He enjoyed attending all of the kids activities and events over the years and rarely missed a game or meet.
Upon proudly retiring from Kellogg’s after 28 and a half years, Dick moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he enjoyed retirement and the ocean life. He continued his love of sports by playing on a senior league fast pitch softball team where his team won a national championship, several of his teammates were retired Pittsburgh Steelers football players.
Dick didn’t sit idle during retirement and worked several different part time jobs in Myrtle Beach and after his move back to Michigan. After moving home, he enjoyed spending time with his family and continued bowling and golf into the mid-2000s.
Dick is survived by his brothers Victor Varner of Frankfort, Illinois and Clarence (Marlene) Varner of Marshall; his four children, Dan (Sandy) Varner of Wyoming, Michigan; Greg (Lisa) Varner of Wasilla, Alaska; Melinda (Dave) Adams of Battle Creek; Jackie (John) Walbeck of Marshall; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Betty and Earl Borr and son-in-law Dave Adams.
Visitation will take place from 10am-12pm on Friday September 25, 2020 with a memorial service taking place at 12pm at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services,723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall MI 49068.**Memorial service will take place outside along with a gathering following the service.** Interment of cremated remains will take place at 3pm at Fort Custer National Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions are requested to the American Heart Association ( https://www2.heart.org/) or mail your contributions to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Service PO Box 519 Marshall MI 49068. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at www.kempffuneralhome.com
Friday, September 25, 2020
10:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services
Friday, September 25, 2020
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services
Friday, September 25, 2020
3:00 - 3:30 pm (Eastern time)
Fort Custer National Cemetery
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