Robert L Varner

Robert L. Varner, 83 of Robinson, IL died at 4:35 p.m. Monday, December 5, 2011 at his residence. He was born in Palestine, IL on December 18, 1927 the son of Clarence Arthur Varner and Ethel Edna Wilson-Varner. He graduated from Palestine High School in 1945 and served in the United States Army in 1946 and 1947. He completed basic training in New York, New Jersey and Virginia and was permanently assigned with the 728th Military Police Battalion at Fort Sheridan, IL. He also served in the Air Force Reserve for nine years. He received honorable discharges from both the Army and Air Force.Varner attended classes at Vincennes University majoring in Accounting and Business. He also completed three terms in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Electrical courses, receiving diplomas in both courses. He taught Machine Shop Technology and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning part-time at Lincoln Trail College for over nine years and served on the Vocational Advisory Board for College District 629 for ten years. Varner retired from Marathon Oil Company in 1986 after serving over 39 years in a number of positions with the Illinois Refining Division. Varner was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer for 10 years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #250 for over 50 years and a member of the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188.He married Nita Ann Lowrance on January 14, 1949, who preceded him in death on March 17, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Royal, Leo, Waneta, and Alice.Those surviving include a son, Mark and wife, Janet of Fountain, IN and Daytona Beach, FL, two grandchildren, Stacey Forrester, Henderson, KY, and Eric Varner, New Palestine, IL, and 3 great grandchildren, Aleksey and Keaton O€™Dell and Morgan Varner.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the Goodwine Funeral Home, Robinson with Pastors David Ducommon and Bessie Adams officiating. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice with envelopes available at the funeral home.