Johnnie D. Varnell

Johnnie D. Varnell, Jr., 49, of Moses Lake, passed away suddenly at work on Wednesday, July 18, 2007, due to heart related issues.

Memorial services will be held Friday, July 27, at the LDS Rose Street Chapel, 1036 W. Rose Ave., at 5 p.m. Reception to follow at the Moses Lake Moose Lodge. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake.

John was born March 12, 1958, in Ephrata to Johnnie and Joyce (Schooler) Varnell. As a member of a military family, John spent his younger years in several locations around the world, including Wenatchee. Eventually the family settled in Soap Lake where John graduated from high school in 1976.

He excelled in sports and was offered several athletic scholarships, but chose to serve his country instead. John served both in the Army and Army National Guard from which he retired in 1997. John also attended Big Bend Community College and Central Washington University.

An avid hunter and fisherman, John was happiest when surrounded by nature. He also loved cooking and barbecuing for family and friends. Accomplished in martial arts, he enjoyed teaching and sharing his skills with others.

Preceded in death by his father Johnnie Sr., John is survived by his wife of 28 years, Gail, sons Jason, 26, of Greenville, Mich., and Eric, 24, currently in the Army stationed in Iraq, his mother, Joyce Varnell, and his sister, JoAnn Martin both of Moses Lake, and numerous "unofficial" children.

Sarge to some, Daddy John to many, and Papa Bear to the crew, John touched many lives and will be deeply missed.