David Karl Varner
December 15, 1948 ~ May 5, 2022
We regret to announce the passing of David Karl Varner, 73, of Glenburn, North Dakota, on May 5, 2022. David passed away, surrounded by his loved ones in San Antonio, Texas after an unfortunate but brief illness.
David is predeceased by his ex-wife Josefa Varner, brother Craig Varner and his mother/father Virginia and Karl Varner.
He is survived by his sister, Marilyn Flook, his son, David Varner, daughter-in-law, Stephanie Varner and his two grandsons’: Graysen and Braxten.
David was a veteran of the Vietnam and first Gulf War. For his service, he earned two Meritorious Service Medals and one Commendation Medal. He served honorably and with distinction in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.
His experience in the Air Force over two decades played a very important role in his life. He frequently pointed out that the Air Force taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, and investing in a cause greater than himself. He would often explain to loved ones and friends how these values contributed to his success not only as a freelance Artist and consummate professional, but most importantly as a husband, father, and grandfather.
The memorial service with full Military Honors for David Karl Varner will commence on Friday, June 03, 2022, at 10:15am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209).
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Rest In Peace our friend
Dave and I were stationed at Sembach Air Base in Germany from 1976 to 1979. I was his NCO leader for a couple of years. We went thru some difficult times including the death of his brother in an Air Force plane crash. When he took his wife to Spain each summer to visit here family, my wife and son kept their little dog. Dave and his family lived in the same apartment building my family lived in, so we were neighbors in addition to working together. We kept in regular contact over the years following our retirements from the Air Force. We shared photos and news of each other. We wanted to visit but just never could work something out. I will miss our emails and phone calls. Rest in Peace old friend.
Thank you Jerry! My father spoke of you often and touted about all of your adventures following trains and vintage railroads. You were a key friendship in his life and for this we are grateful. God bless, David, Stephanie, Graysen & Braxten.
David was my cousin, though he was 23 years older than I. I have early memories of him in his Air Force uniform, visiting us at home in Illinois at the time. Loosely, we stayed in touch and after my parents divorced (he is my dad’s nephew), he chose to also stay in touch with my mom–and with us. He visited us at our home in California and he was a friend, a mentor, and gave good and sage advice to me, a young man starting out life in the 1980’s. He made me laugh, he shared great stories–and as a truly fine artist, he painted a ceramic butterfly that I remember in detail–which adorned our family’s walls for years through several cross-country moves. I was with him last at his sister’s home, my cousin Marilyn with whom my family and I have become very close, for the sad reason of memorializing his younger brother, and my cousin, Craig. We had good conversations–mourned and talked together and I felt good about spending time with him again in my adult years. Peace and blessings of memory to you all. “Papa Dave” was a giant presence, and a man who knew the value of redemption and grace. Much love to all.
Mark, truly appreciate your share in memory of what my father meant to you and your family. We appreciate all of your support in this past year as we navigated this unfortunate illness. You provided hope and gave us relentless prayers…thank you!! Love David, Stephanie, Graysen & Braxten.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. We pray that your pain lessens with each passing day and you are comforted by your memories together.
Our deepest condolences. Dave was a wonderful friend.
Thank you so very much Bill! Our hearts remain heavy for this untimely & unfortunate life event. Respectfully David, Stephanie, Graysen & Braxten.
When my Dad, David’s uncle, was entering his own home stretch of life, it meant the world to him that David & David & son came for a visit. He used to just beam when he was having another phone call with David. They talked frequently and my dad, Jack, would recount their conversations enthusiastically. More than once! I believe that those who go before us greet us when we get there. So, I think Craig, Karl, Virginis, Jack, Bill, Neppy, Janet and Grandpa and Grandma are all enjoying a family reunion right now!! David will be sorely missed!!
Holly, these memories still remain vivid as if they were yesterday. We truly miss all of our loved ones as they provided quintessential growth moments in all our lives. Thank you and we love you! David, Stephanie, Graysen & Braxten.
With our heartfelt deepest condolences.
In loving memory of my big brother, David!! His love for gardening, gifted hands and strength inspires me to honor his life by planting more seeds!
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Dave and Steph.
RIP Papa Dave
IN MEMORY OF PAPA DAVE ONE OF THE BEST!!!
I want to personally thank everyone for sharing their memories, photos, sending flowers and planting a tree on behalf of my Father. I especially want to thank my immediate/extended family members. We are forever grateful for your love & kindness.
In addition I would like to thank both of our work families for supporting us through this extremely difficult process. Without your steadfast support we would of not faired very well during this unfortunate journey. Please never forgot, Papa Dave cared for you dearly, but would not want you to grieve for very long. Remember him well and smile for we are better as humans for having him in our lives. God bless everyone! Love David, Stephanie, Graysen & Braxten.