John Varner, 94, of Grandview died Saturday, January 14, 2023, at home.
He was born May 13, 1928, near Grandview, the son of the late Sam and Thelma Varner.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraline Jessee Varner.
John was a two-year Korean Army War veteran. He was active in Farm Bureau, Spencer County Livestock, 4-H, and Pocket Duroc Purebred (hog) Breeders. He sold and serviced Surge milking machines for 45 years and raised cattle.
Over the years, short-term missionary work had taken John and his wife to South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Guatemala, Mexico and South Africa. John also worked missions in Southeast Asia, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Russia. He had visited 65 countries.
John’s education included Chrisney High School, a B.A. in elementary education from the University of Evansville, Master of Education and a principal’s license from Western Kentucky University. John taught school, served as a principal, and coached basketball.
He was an active member of Tell City United Methodist Church and then Cornerstone UMC.
Survivors include a daughter, Beth Schue (Jerry), and sons, Jeff Varner (Jane), and Mark Satkamp (Linda); six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, January 20, at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Chrisney with funeral service to follow at noon. Reverend Ron Marcoux will officiate. Military rites will follow the ceremony at New Hope Cemetery in Newtonville by Tell City American Legion Post 213.
Memorial contributions may be made to the John and Gerry Varner Scholarship fund at Heritage Hills High School or South Spencer High School, Cornerstone UMC Scholarship, or your favorite charity.
Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport has been entrusted with care.
Friends may leave a condolence for the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
