Feb. 19, 1931 - June 3, 2011

ELKHART - Thomas G. "Tom" Varney, 80, of Elkhart, passed away at his residence at 6:54 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2011.

He was born Feb. 19, 1931, in Matewan, W. Va., to Charles and Elizabeth Jane (Curry) Varney. On Dec. 23, 1953, he married Juanita Clay (Lee) Varney in Fort Wayne.

Survivors include his wife, Juanita C. "Anita" Varney of Elkhart; four daughters, G. Kay (James) Adams of Goshen, Sharon Szelestey of Mishawaka, Cindy (Kevin Bullard) Rardin of Elkhart and Angie (Brent) Twitchell of Elkhart; one brother, James (Josephine) Varney of Columbus, Ga.; sister Lena Dotson of Tampa, Fla.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Freeland Varney; and two sisters, Margaret Harmon and Arlene Carroll.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Tom retired from Nickles Bakery in 1996 after having worked there for 38 years as a fleet mechanic and truck driver. He was a member of the American Legion Post 308 in Bristol, Teamsters Local 364 and the National Rifle Association. Tom was a licensed pilot who loved flying, driving race cars and parachuting. He enjoyed spending time at his Florida home relaxing and fishing.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 5, 2011, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Monday, June 6, 2011, all at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor Gary Sheets will officiate. Burial will follow in Olive Cemetery, Elkhart. Military graveside honors will be rendered by the DAV 19 and the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Detail.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Legion Post 308 or the DAV 19.

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