PAUL VARNELL

VARNELL Paul Edward Varnell, 79, of El Paso, TX died Friday, July 15, 2011 after a brief illness. He was born November 20, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of John Benjamin and Melcina (Hafer) Varnell. Paul grew up in Farmington, NM after moving from Oklahoma with his family when he was 4 years old. After graduating from Farmington High School in 1951, he joined the National Guard and was called into active duty with the U.S. Army, and honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1953. He spent 33 years with El Paso Natural Gas Company, retired in 1986 and started Sun West Contractors, Inc., a premier roofing company with his son, Dan. He retired from his retirement job in 2006 and left the company to his daughter, Tobi Jo. Paul was an avid golfer and enjoyed many rounds with his great friends at Vista Hills Country Club. He began his Masonic life as a Demolay in Farmington, NM, and was a 50+ year member of Animas Lodge #15, AF & AM in Farmington He was a 30 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a 6 time past patron and currently served as a Grand Representative of Delaware in New Mexico. He enjoyed spending time with his wife in her many travels in Eastern Star or as he called it "Driving Miss Daisy!" Surviving Paul are his loving wife of 37 years, Bonnie, of El Paso, his brothers, Earl Varnell and wife Neoma of Bloomfield, NM and Raymond Varnell and wife Geniva of Eugene, Mo; his children Cheryl Page and her husband Tom of Seattle, WA, Paul Daniel Varnell and his wife Margaret of Pflugerville, TX, Tobi Jo Varnell of El Paso, TX, Jim Varnell and his wife Sandra of Farmington, NM, John Hershenberg and his wife Myrna of Euless, TX, and Julie Hershenberg of Carrollton, TX. Also surviving Paul are his 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and numerous other family members and friends. Preceding Paul in death are his parents; two brothers, Harold Varnell and J.B. Varnell; and three sisters Mary Varnell, Bonnie Crook and Bernie Foutz. An Eastern Star service will be held at 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at the Ft. Bliss Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Paul's name to your favorite charity. Services entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Kaster-Maxon & Futrell Funeral Home, 8817 Dyer Street, El Paso, TX 79904. (915)751-1287.