Robert Porter Varner, III
Obituary
Robert Porter Varner, III was born November 21, 1945 in Waterloo, IA to Robert Porter & Alice Charlotte (Haynes) Varner, Jr. He passed from this life on April 19, 2018 at the age of 72 after a short battle with cancer.
After graduating from College High School class of 1963 he was determined to graduate from OSU with an Accounting degree. Robert paid his own way through by working Phillips 66 oil rigs. He was a Phi Gamma Delta member and served as houseboy. He would carry OSU pride with him throughout his life.
He and Nancy were married on August 26, 1967 at St. John's church in Bartlesville OK. He was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and served at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, IN.
He became an avid fly fisherman, making his own flies. He also became a Shakespeare and Winston Churchill fan, reading everything he could about and by both.
Preceded in death by his parents and one son, Robert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Sullivan (Hissem) Varner; his daughters, Diane Varner and Elizabeth Varner; his son, Alan Varner; his brothers, Tommy (and his wife Jerry) Varner and David Varner; his sister, Velma Powell; his three grandchildren, Caitlin, Ethan & Olivia; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he adored.
Robert will lie in state Monday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. Private family services will be held.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made in Robert’s memory to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Nancy, Sad to hear of the passing of Bobby. I have vivid memories of him in the annex studying and rolling cigs in his little rolling machine. A great hard working guy. Max Pischel
Max Pischel
Dearest Nancy, We are so very sorry and know he will be missed terribly. He was truly loved, as are you and the children. God Bless and grant you Peace, Love. Nash and Dana
Dana Lamb
Nancy, Bob was one of my little brothers. We will miss him and our prayers will be with you. Pat Gallagher
Pat Gallagher
Nancy. .. so sorry for the loss of Bobby. He was a good guy and I know you and the family will really miss him.
Rob & Bobbie Lindsly
Bobby was a Brother and a friend. He was kind and caring and a good representative of Phi Gamma Delta. He will be missed by all of his brothers. Mike Thomas Perge
Mike Thomas
Sorry for your loss.
Carolyn Wait
His impish smile, rosy cheeks, snapping eyes, dry sense of humor, his garden and watching him cook his chili. All these snap shots of knowing Bobby and, of course, the conversations we had at the kitchen table. See ya next time
Ethelyn Barnett