Robert E. Varvel

Robert "Bob" E. Varvel, age 76, of Colony, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at his residence. Robert was born on May 6, 1933, in rural LeRoy, Kansas, the son of Glen Wilson and Vera Lily (Johnson) Varvel. He grew up in the LeRoy area, graduating from LeRoy High School. Robert was married to Marcella Houston in 1953. Three children were born to this union, they later divorced. Bob was a farmer in the LeRoy area for most of his life. He also worked at various other jobs off of the farm. In his younger years he worked at the National Alfalfa Mill in LeRoy. Following his retirement from farming he worked in the Iola area for Johnson Construction. Robert enjoyed woodworking and crafts. This hobby led him to open "Bob's Shop" in Colony, where he made crafts and restored furniture for the last 15 years. He moved to Colony in 2006. Bob attended the Colony United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, Richard Volland. Robert is survived by his companion, Jane Ward of the home; one son, DeWayne Varvel and wife Kaye of Owensboro, Kentucky; two daughters, Roberta Johnson and husband Charlie of Iola, Kansas; Nina Grant and husband Kenneth of LeRoy, Kansas; one sister, Mary Volland of Madison, Kansas; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2010, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Colony, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Logue Cemetery in LeRoy, Kansas. Mr. Varvel will lie in state after 1:00 PM Friday with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home in Colony. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Francis House, Topeka, Kansas and sent in care of the funeral home. You may send your condolences to the family at our website at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .