Laura Augusta Varner Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Laura Augusta Varner was born in Parma, Missouri on August 16, 1918, to Adolph and Minnie Lueker. Laura was the youngest of five children and had two brothers (Karl and Wilbur (Pete)) and 2 sisters (Elvera and Bertha). Laura’s father passed away from kidney cancer when she was 10 years old. Her Mother and the whole family deserve much credit for not losing the farm, as most families did during those depression years. Laura was especially proud that the farm is still in the family after over 100 years, it was inherited by her niece, Marlene. The farm has been recognized by the state of Missouri for being owned by the same family for over 100 years and has been given a plaque in recognition of the achievement. After graduating from Parma High School as Valedictorian, Laura attended Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri on a full scholarship. She met her future husband, and love of her life, Kermit (Lee) Varner one month before graduation. After her graduation Laura went to St. Louis, Missouri to work. Lee went to Kansas City, Missouri to work. God had his hand in Laura and Lee’s relationship; Lee was sent to St. Louis to begin his Civil Service career in 1937. They were married August 9, 1941 at Laura’s home church in Parma, Missouri. Lee was drafted into the US Army in 1943 during World War II; and served in Europe and returned home to Laura in 1945. Laura and Lee’s lives were enriched when the adoption of their son Gary Lee was finalized on August 30, 1950. Laura was a devoted wife and mother, keeping the home and raising Gary until he entered high school. She derived great joy volunteering at the church and in the community. Laura’s hobbies included gardening, bridge, and square dancing. Lee’s career led them to transfer every three to five years until 1963 when they made their final move to Springfield, Virginia. In Springfield, they found their forever home and home church at St. John’s Lutheran. Together Lee and Laura volunteered at St. John’s in the Stephen’s Ministry, the Dorcas Guild, many other groups within the congregation and were part of the greeters ministry. Their family grew when Gary met and married Connie Walker. Laura was blessed with granddaughters, Kristine Lyn and Dana Elizabeth and great-grandsons, William Stuart and Patrick Walker. Memorials may be made in Laura’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5752 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310. For online giving, please use this link https://sjlc.ccbchurch.com/goto/giving and select “Varner, Laura Memorial.”

Tributes

Laura Augusta Varner

August 16, 1918 - June 23, 2022