ESCANABA — Howard C. Varvil, Sr., of 1508 S. 15th St., Escanaba, passed away on Dec. 12, 2007, at Marquette General Hospital.
Howard was born on Feb. 19, 1925, in Menominee, son of George and Sylvia (Buckmaster) Varvil. He spent most of his childhood in Kingsford where he graduated from high school in 1943.
Howard served in the Marine Corps in World War II in Guam and Iwo Jima. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he moved to the Marquette area where he owned various businesses including a drive-in and a restaurant.
He married Harriet Klumb in 1948. In 1955, Howard went to work for Prudential Insurance Company. He was employed with Prudential until his retirement in 1983. Howard was very active in numerous organizations throughout his life. He served for several years on the Escanaba Planning Commission, was an avid member of the Escanaba County Club, and enjoyed gardening. His most cherished involvement was with Bethany Lutheran Church where he was an active member for decades and he served in many capacities over the years.
Howard is survived by: his wife, Harriet, who was the love of his life; his children, Howard Varvil, Jr. of Marietta, Ga., and Marsha (Douglas) Weld of Portage, Wis.; and four grandchildren, Michael, Vicki, Lindsey and Bradley. He will be sadly missed by all. Howard was always known for his kindness, his gentle spirit and his sense of humor.
Funeral services are being provided by Anderson Funeral Homes. Visitation will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba on Saturday from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Delta County Veteran’s services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church beginning at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Paul Mai officiating. Memorials can be made to the Bethany Lutheran Church Building Fund in honor of Howard. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery in Marquette.
Expressions of sympathy and online condolences in Howard’s honor may be directed to the Varvil family at
www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
It is not our belief or disbelief that can make or unmake the fact. ~ Thomas Paine
