Joe W. Varnell

Joe was born on the 19th of September, 1938 in Abilene, Texas to Luther and Leona Varnell. Joe is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including a Purple Heart, Silver and Bronze Stars. He served several years with distinction as an Army combat infantryman in Vietnam. After 21 years of active duty he retired as a Sargent First Class. He then began his next career working for Centel Phone Company’s stockyard and retired in 1997. After winning the battle with cancer, he became a school bus driver for Killeen ISD for 14 years. He loved the children and never met a stranger. He was also one of the founders of the Southwest Bell volunteer fire department and enjoyed his many years as a firefighter and board member.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Luther; his mother, Leona; and his brothers, Pete and Willie; and son, Terry Joe.

He is survived by his wife, Yaeko Varnell, of Killeen, Texas; his three daughters, Linda Coppela (Joe) of Jamul, California, Brenda Watson (Erik) of Pflugerville, Texas and Diana Varnell of Killeen, Texas; his grandchildren Lana, Joey, Mady, Nathan and Matthew; his great grandchildren Helena and Chailyn; his sister –in-law Becky Varnell of El Paso, Texas; and many other nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 6th, 2014, at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas, with Pastor David Webb officiating. Burial will follow at Central Texas State Veterans cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, March 5th, 2014 at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com