Burial will follow services in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorial contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers,to the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO. or the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com
Jasper was born December 15, 1920 in Appleton City, MO to Lon Morris and Mary Alice Raybourn Varns, and grew up on the family farm nearby. He attended Butler High School and graduated in 1939. Shortly after graduating he was inducted into the United States Army and served during WWII at an airbase in Alaska.
After serving honorably in the military, he took a job with Mid-Central Fish Co. with his brothers. While traveling, he met the love of his life, Helen Duncan of Huntsville, Arkansas and on August 10th, 1947 they were married. Jasper and Helen purchased their farm in Bates County near Butler, MO where they spent their years farming & raising a family.
Known by his family and friends as “Colonel” or “Uncle-Colonel” (a nickname given to him by his maternal grandfather) he lived a long and fulfilling life as a dedicated husband and father, devoted to family, farming and his faith. He was a long-time member of Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church in rural Bates County, and later First Presbyterian Church of Butler.
Jasper was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Helen, his brothers George, Harold and Kenneth Varns and his sister Celestine Mills. Jasper is survived by his children Paul Varns, Valinda Varns, Jack Varns and wife Georgia all of Butler and Mark Varns and wife Sharon of Carterville, IL. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and countless nieces and nephews.
