Raymond Henry Varnell

Raymond Henry Varnell, 90, of Eugene, Mo., passed away Sunday, October 27, 2013, at the Villa Marie Skilled Nursing Facility in Jefferson City, Mo. He was born December 25, 1922, in Ft. Worth, Texas, a son of the late John B. and Melcina (Hafer) Varnell. On September 2, 1956, Raymond was united in marriage to Geneva Pauline Sooter at her parents' home in Eldon, Mo. Geneva preceded Raymond in death on September 27, 2013. Raymond worked at the Missouri State Penitentiary for many years. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, and then the United States Army. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Eldon, Mo. Raymond loved to do oil paintings, singing, playing the harmonica, and listening to gospel music. He was an avid Christian, and self proclaimed "Preacher". Raymond was a handyman and could fix anything. He loved his family, especially his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Raymond is survived by three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Jesse Hentges (husband Randy) and their children Kadence, Hunter and Harper Hentges of Jefferson City, Mo., Josh Varnell (wife Nicole) of Kalamazoo, Minn., and Rachael Fielder (husband Ian) and their child Elyse Fielder of Ft. Benning, Ga.; one brother: Earl Varnell of New Mexico. Raymond was also preceded in death by four sons: Mickey Ray Varnell, Terry Varnell, Kenneth Varnell, and Mark Varnell; three brothers: Harold, Paul and J.B.; and two sisters: Bonnie and Beulah. Friends will be received from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 4:30 p.m., with Deacon Steve Kliethermes officiating. Graveside services for the family will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at the Mount Zion Cemetery near Tuscumbia, Mo. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or to the Family of Raymond Varnell. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com