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Rick Varner                  Send flowers

Services: Friday March 6, 2026 at 11:00 am at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Marion Add to Google Calendar

Visitation: Thursday from 4-7 pm at the church Add to Google Calendar

We celebrate the life of Rick Varner, born in Marion, March 20, 1952, to the late William and Maxine (Culp) Varner. Rick passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on March 2, 2026, just shy of his 74th birthday. Rick lived a life rooted in service, faith, family, and community. He proudly served as President of his local Lions Clubs International chapter, always willing to step forward when help was needed. His dedication to education was evident through his service as a member of the Elgin Local School Board, where he served two terms and held the role of president for two years. Rick was a constant supporter of Elgin Local School activities, rarely missing an event and always cheering proudly from the stands. A faithful member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Rick served on the church council and as its president for two years. His leadership was steady and humble, guided by deep faith and a genuine desire to strengthen his church family. Rick’s professional life reflected his strong work ethic and commitment to public service. He served as President of the Ohio Water Pollution Control Association for two years and shared his knowledge as an instructor at Columbus State Community College, teaching wastewater management and mentoring future professionals. He worked as Wastewater Superintendent at the Olentangy Environmental Control Center and for the City of Marysville, dedicating his career to protecting water quality and serving his community. Even in retirement, Rick continued to give back, working as a consultant for the City of Mansfield Wastewater Department, offering his expertise and guidance with the same integrity that defined his career. Rick also had a heart for young people. He coached elementary girls’ basketball for grades 4, 5, and 6 when Lindsey was playing, teaching not only the fundamentals of the game but also confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. He was a loyal and passionate fan of the Cleveland Guardians, the Cleveland Browns, and Ohio State Buckeyes football. He celebrated victories enthusiastically and remained faithful through every tough season. Outside of his many commitments, Rick embraced life fully. He loved golf, fishing, snow skiing, boating, vacations, and especially family time. The lake was one of his favorite places — a setting for laughter, stories, and cherished memories. Above all else, Rick was the center of his family’s world. He was Deb’s rock, Lindsey’s shining light, and the very best friend to his beloved grandchildren, Hayes and Emery. Nothing brought him more pride than watching his grandchildren’s activities and simply being present in their lives. His love for them was constant and unwavering. Rick’s legacy is one of servant leadership, steady faith, and wholehearted love for his family and community. Though he will be profoundly missed, the example he set — through service, dedication, and deep devotion — will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him. Surviving is his devoted wife, Debbie (White) Varner, they were married June 16, 1979 at the Prospect United Methodist Church. Also surviving is their daughter, Lindsey (Tyler) Thompson of Ontario and their children, Hayes and Emery Thompson. Brother, Bob (Bonnie) Varner of Waldo, Sister-in-law, Kathy (Ed) Nelson of Sanford, NC. He was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Varner. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held Friday March 6, 2026 at 11:00 am at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Marion. Deacon Kevin Kehn and Pastor Paul Walter will officiate. Burial will follow in the Prospect Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 4-7 pm at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to Ontario Youth Sports PO Box 125 Ontario, Ohio 44862, and Prostate Cancer Foundation 1250 Fourth Street Santa Monica, CA 90401 Remembrances and Condolences may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com. Directions to Prospect Cemetery Directions to Emanuel Lutheran Church  (website) Florist Login

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Condolences       to #1 from: Debora Tudor Mount Gilead Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM Deb and family, I am so sorry for your loss.  It was a shock to me.  Your family knows these dark times far too much.  I will be praying for you and sending you hugs! #2 from: Jeanie and Lauren Park   Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 5:34 PM Debbie, and family we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! May God bring you peace and comfort as only He can! 🙏🙏 #3 from: Rick and Brenda Howell Caledonia Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 5:45 PM So sorry to learn of the death of another one of our 1970 Elgin classmates.  Our deepest sympathy to Rick's wife, family, and friends. Prayers for peace and comfort. #4 from: Sandy Houser Panama City Beach Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 6:07 PM Debbie, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. Please know I’m holding you close in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. #5 from: Jeff and Suzy Wll LaRue Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 6:09 PM We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May the comfort of God be with you during this difficult time. #6 from: Gerald Bingley   Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 6:31 PM So Sorry Debbie Rick Was A Great Guy prayers 🙏 #7 from: Jeff Johnson prospect Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 7:08 PM Debbie, Our heart goes out to you and your family.  Slats waa alwzys a good guy...  I am happy that you had a great life and marriage with him.  You are all in our prayers Hugs. #8 from: Chad Clark Marion , Ohio Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 7:31 PM My heart goes out to the Varner family. My Deepest condolences #9 from: Shelly Dillon Ostrander, Ohio Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 7:43 PM There are no words that would ease your pain during this sad time I am so sorry for your loss. Praying your happy memories will help you through this chapter. Shelly (Olsheski) Dillon #10 from: Denny Smith Marion Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 8:28 PM So so sorry for your loss Debbie and family, words cannot express what you are feeling. I sit here and look back and recall all the fun times we have had. Rick was definitely one of kind, he will be missed but, we have all those good times to look back at. He’s now at peace, and no more pain, may he rest in peace. #11 from: Kathy Rice Marion, Ohio Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 9:06 PM Debbie, I am so sorry for your earthly loss. May you and your family feel God’s peace and loving arms around you during these difficult times. #12 from: Marke & Denise Lyon Marion Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 9:45 PM Oh Debbie & Lindsey -we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you🙏🙏 #13 from: Shelley Stiffler Daubenmire Rockwell, NC Tue, Mar 3, 2026 at 9:51 PM Debbie and Family- we are so very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing! You are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻💞 #14 from: Stacey Flach-Moore and Darin Moore Prospect Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 10:41 AM Oh I am so sad for you all!    Great family...hugs to you all! #15 from: Molly & Dan Phelps Celina, TX Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 11:12 AM Debbie and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Rick was such a great guy and will be remembered by so many. Keeping all of you in my thoughts. #16 from: Judy Kirkpatrick Marion Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 11:37 AM Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms around you and guide you through this difficult time. #17 from: Jim & Sharon Kantzer Marion, Ohio Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 1:13 PM Debbie and Lindsey,   We are so sad for your loss. #18 from: Neil Vollrath MARYSVILLE Thu, Mar 5, 2026 at 7:03 AM Sorry for your loss.  I worked with Rick at the City of Marysville.   #19 from: Gary Mohr Chillicothe Ohio Thu, Mar 5, 2026 at 7:40 AM Rick and his family played a very important role in my life at a difficult time. During my mother’s long illness I often stayed over night at their house and road to school with Rick.We usually listened to the Young Rascals on his eight track player in his car. Rick played center field for our high school baseball team, that was very good. Rick did not often get his name in the paper, but one game after getting two hits, Thad Gardner of the Kenton Times put his name in an article as Slatz Verner. He was known as Statz to his friends and teammates after that and even to today. He was a great example for us to follow. I am out of state or I would certainly be there. Gary Mohr #20 from: Ryan Sipe Rockford, OH Thu, Mar 5, 2026 at 11:31 AM My deepest sympathy to the family during this difficult time. #21 from: Gary Mohr Chillicothe Ohio Thu, Mar 5, 2026 at 5:11 PM Rick and his family played a very important role in my life at a difficult time. During my mother’s long illness I often stayed over night at their house and road to school with Rick.We usually listened to the Young Rascals on his eight track player in his car. Rick played center field for our high school baseball team, that was very good. Rick did not often get his name in the paper, but one game after getting two hits, Thad Gardner of the Kenton Times put his name in an article as Slatz Verner. He was known as Statz to his friends and teammates after that and even to today. He was a great example for us to follow. I am out of state or I would certainly be there. Gary Mohr #22 from: Mike and Paula Jenner Cardington Thu, Mar 5, 2026 at 10:24 PM Debbie, we are praying for you and your loved ones. Rick was a very special person. Kind, compassionate, and a very good friend. I have some great memories of Rick when we played basketball for Grolls. We are praying that the "peace of God  which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". Philipians 4:7. #23 from: Brian E. Napper Marion Sat, Mar 7, 2026 at 8:22 PM Rick was a very good man. A great community leader. May GOD be with you at this time and forever. #24 from: Rick and Cheryl Bayless Delaware, Ohio Sun, Mar 8, 2026 at 5:47 PM Deb, Lindsey and family.  Cheryl and I are so sad and sorry to hear of Rick’s passing.  He was a wonderful friend and great man.  Our prayers are with you and the family.  May God bless you Rick and Cheryl Bayless

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