I was so sorry to hear about Steve's death. He was a remarkable man who had the ability to express complex ideas in an easy-to-understand way. (As the leader of restorative justice work at Prison Fellowship, that was an important gift to have!) He was good at working with people. I once promoted him to a position that placed him in charge of a department of former peers, at their request, The department flourished. 

Steve was a warm, gentle, wise man who knew what was important in life: friendship with God and with fellow humans. It was clear to anyone who heard him talk about Vanamtown, that where his family -- especially Donna -- and his friends were, was his home. 

Now he is inheriting his reward.

I will miss you, Steve.

Steve will truly be missed by so many.  Prayers for the Lord’s peace to comfort your family at this  difficult time.

To Donna and family, we are so saddened to hear of the passing of Steve. For me, the memories are vivid and meaningful when we worked together at Justice Fellowship in the '90s. Steve hired me to be State Director of Justice Fellowship in California without meeting me first in person! That was a leap of faith. Working for JF, and being hired by Steve, unlocked what God had planned for me: advocating for restorative justice. I always told Steve there have been two bosses in my life that were excellent. One was Steve. He gave me enough room to do what I do, and then supported my work all the way. 
I do restorative justice  work to this day, and since 2008 internationally through Restorative Justice International.  So many memories of that time. Steve showed his strong leadership as the head of JF by hiring a diverse and gifted team of people around the country. He never let ego get in the way. That's leadership. 
Steve was always supportive of me long-distance over the years since the years with Justice Fellowship, especially online. I remember him for that now.  I know that Steve will be in heaven to meet up with when God calls each us us to Himself. Our prayers for you Donna, and family, as you remember Steve today and celebrate a life lived well for Christ.  

In His love, Lisa Rea (and Roger)

Steve was one of the best human beings I ever had the pleasure of meeting.  My life was better because of him and I’m forever thankful  our paths converged.

Donna and Family,
It has been my pleasure to have Steve and you as a part of our church family. Having known Steve’s Varnam family all my life, it was a pleasure to meet you, Donna, and get to call both of you my friends and especially my brother and sister in Christ. Donna, your church family will be by your side to support you in the days to come. Whenever you need to talk to someone, I will listen and so will many others. We believe in taking care of each other at Camp.
Love, Linda

Steve Varnam was such a wonderful neighbor and such a special husband who loved his wife Donna and family dearly. We will never forget the twinkle in his eyes when he spoke of Donna , his children or his Varnam Town family. Oh, the stories he could share. 

We remember his nightly walks up the Brick Landing 14th fairway hitting a golf ball with a club and it still makes us smile. When you all moved to Wood Song, the Hewett Farms community was never the same. 

Steve was soft spoken, loved music and was such a good man of faith. Heaven has certainly been blessed with an angel. Donna, we are  carrying you, your children and grandchildren in our hearts and in our prayers.

♥️Neill and Lynn McDonald🙏🏻

It was a pleasure for me to work for Steve at Justice Fellowship, an arm of Prison Fellowship in the early 90’s. His knowledge and quiet leadership was a blessing to me. Steve and Donna were not only co-workers, l considered them friends. Darryl and l send our heartfelt condolences to you Donna and your family on the passing of a wonderful brother in Christ.

Dear Donna and Jenny& Nancy and children, Steve will be missed and remembered by Camp UMC. Donna and Steve you made a precious couple . Thinking of you all in the days to come . Love, Mike&Kate Alderson

OBITUARY

Steve J. Varnam

November 21, 1939 – May 3, 2026

White Funeral and Cremation Service

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