Donald Lee Varner, Sr., of Towanda, Kansas died Saturday, February 1, 2014 at his home in his recliner with his television remote by his side.

Don was born August 14, 1939 in El Dorado, the youngest of six children born to Grant and Eunice (Pierce) Varner.  He grew up in Towanda and graduated from Towanda High School in 1958.  He served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany.  After his tour of duty, he returned to Towanda where he met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Lynda Faulkner on September 16, 1962.  This union was blessed with two children; Tammy and Donny.

Don was a farmer all his life.  When first married he worked for Cessna in Wichita and then later in life he worked as an oil field pumper.  He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and traveling.  Activities with family and friends were very important to him.  He loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting and school events. 

Surviving family include his wife of 51 years, Lynda of the home; daughter Tammy Reichenberger and husband Greg of Wichita, Kansas; son Donny Varner, Jr. and wife Audrey of Russell, Kansas; grandchildren, Andrea Varner of Wichita, Kansas, Donald “Trey” Varner III of Russell, Kansas and Scotney Reichenberger of Wichita, Kansas; and great granddaughter Raylie Varner.  He is also survived by brothers Ray Varner (Mary) and Delbert Varner (Pat) of Towanda, Kansas; and sister Wilma Lill of El Dorado, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Millburn Varner and sister Lela Henry.

Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, February 7, 2014 at Kirby-Morris Funeral Home in El Dorado.  A private family burial will take place at a later time.  Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home, with the family present to greet friends for 6 to 7 P.M.  A Memorial has been established with the Towanda Historical Society.  Contributions may be sent to Kirby Morris Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to www.kirbymorrisfuneralhome.com.