Frederick W. Varnum

Davenport, Fla. Frederick Wallace Varnum, 93, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at Winter Haven Hospital. Fred was born Saturday, July 10, 1915, in Brockton, Mass., to Wallace and Cora Varnum. He was a graduate of local Brockton schools. Fred held several jobs throughout his life, including, building Navy ships during World War II at the Quincy Shipyard, a bread salesman and a bus driver. He and Dorothy were married in 1937 at Central Methodist Church in Brockton. Fred enjoyed fishing, traveling with family and attending sporting events with children and family get-togethers. Later in life, he enjoyed playing golf at Polo Park. Fred is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy "Dot" May; sons, Frederick William of Morrisville, N.C., Gary W. of Bridgewater, Mass., Peter Wayne of Tampa; grandchildren, Frederick Scott of Cary, N.C., Robert R. of Watertown, Mass., Mark E. of Garner, N.C., Shayne of Derry, N.H., Noelle of Raynham, Mass.; great-grandchildren, Stephen Z., Lucas, Stella N., Micheal J., Stephen M., Tammy, Juliana Baroni, Kayla; as well as many other relatives and friends who loved him greatly. Fred was predeceased by his sisters, Margie E.V. Gorman and Eleanor Varnum and brothers Everett L. and Roger L. A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, July, 25, 2008, in the Chapel of Becker Family Funeral Home. Pastor Scott Fortenberry will officiate. For those who wish, the family has requested contributions be made to the Central United Methodist Church, 65 West Elm St., Brockton, MA 02301. Becker Family Funeral Home, 806 West Minneola Ave., Clermont, 352-394-7121.