Rev. John Varner

Rev. John William Varner, 88, of Keokuk, died at 5:48 PM, Monday, June 21, 2010, at his home, after a life well lived. Rev. John Varner was born in Keokuk, Iowa to Elmer and Ethel Long Varner on February 24, 1922. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruby Varner, his parents, Elmer and Ethel and four brothers, David Varner of California, Albert Varner of Keokuk, Iowa, Clarence Varner of Moline, Illinois, Emmanuel Varner of Keokuk, Iowa and sister Mildred Amon from Keokuk, Iowa. Rev. John Varner has two surviving brothers, Mark Varner of Keokuk, Iowa and Paul Varner of Moline, Illinois. He has two surviving sisters, Eunice Acker of Keokuk, Iowa and Lois Wilson of Wayland, Missouri. Rev. Varner and his wife Ruby had two daughters, Shirley Perkins who lives with her husband Fred in Oklahoma City, Okalahoma and Janet Gail with husband Rick of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They have four grandchildren, Carmel Sherman and husband Donald of Purcell, Okalahoma; John Fletcher with his wife Carla in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Amanda Grochala and Neal Gail of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They have five great grandchildren Katelynne Yow with husband Michael in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Neil Sherman of Purcell, O...[more]

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homa; Erika and Bradley Foster from Rush Springs Oklahoma and Gillian Grochala of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Rev. Varner was known by his family as Grandpa Varner and his wife Ruby as Grandma Ruby. Grandpa Varner was known for having good spiritual advice for his family. He started a Youth Center early in the 60's. It was a place for many youth to come for fun, food and spiritual guidance. Later the Youth Fellowship Center grew from a store front building on 12th and Johnson Street to a beautiful church where now children, youth and adults worship together. The church today is known as Anchor of Hope, located at 17th and Concert in Keokuk, Iowa. Rev. Varner's Special gift was his heart and his love to help those in need. He drew love for himself when he was with friends and family. He developed many pastoral friends that he had met over his lifetime of church work; these were treasured relationships to Rev. Varner. Rev. Varner met his wife Ruby in Keokuk and they were married in May of 1941. Together they built a successful plumbing business and pastored the church together. Ruby's treasure in life was that she knew her husband loved her and provided her every need. Rev. Varner put aside his life to care for Ruby during her battle with Alzheimer's. The family honored and loved Rev. and Mrs. John Varner. We will miss them and will always hold our love for them in our hearts. We the children, grandchildren and great grand children wish to express our gratitude to the friends and families who helped take care of Grandpa Varner in our absence due to the fact that all lived out of town. Special thanks to Rev. John and Marilyn Curtis and the members of Anchor of Hope. A special thank you to Vicky Abston, Karen Harrison, Jean Roberts and Robin Kitzman for the love and concern they always showed in caring for his every need. Our deepest gratitude to the Hospice of Lee County Health Department for their responsibilities they professionally showed to Pastor John W. Varner. A memorial fund has been established at Anchor of Hope Church, PO Box 226, Keokuk, Iowa 52632 Funeral service was held Friday, June 25, 2010 at Anchor of Hope Church. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Keokuk, Iowa.