Charles Odell Viar

Charles Odell Viar, 86, of Halls died on Jan. 26,2012, at Covington Manor in Covington,TN. Funeral services for Mr. Viar will be held at 1pm on Jan. 28, 2012 at Westside Baptist Church, where he was a member, with Pastor John Compere officiating. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 pm. on Jan. 27, 2012 at Halls Funeral Home. Mr. Viar was a WWII veteran, serving in the Marine Corp in the Pacific. After the war, he returned to Halls where he worked with his father, Lon Viar, on a farm purchased by his father in 1944. C. O., as he was known by friends, and his brothers later bought his father's interest in the farm and turned Knob Creek (Henning) Farm into one of the larger and most successful farming operations in West Tennessee. Comprising 5500 acres, Knob Creek Farm was a showplace and home to 31 families. After selling Knob Creek Farm in the early 1960's, Mr. Viar continued his farming interest, but also became more involved in thoroughbred horse racing, fueled by his lifelong love of horses. Racing under the banner of C. O. Viar Farms, Mr. Viar enjoyed much success at venues in Hot Springs, Louisville, Chicago, Louisiana and Florida. At its zenith, Viar Farms carried a stable of 30 horses. Mr. Viar also served Lauderdale County for 50 years as a member of the County Equalization Board. Mr. Viar is survived by his second wife, Judy Burroughs Viar of Covington; one step daughter, Paula Kauhi (Keith) of Covington, one step grandson, Keith Lewis Kauhi; one step sister in law, Barbara Lollar of Steele,MO.; and sisters in law Mary Ella Graves Sullivan and Naulene Jordan of Halls. Mr. Viar was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Wilkes Viar of Halls; by his parents; Lonnie and Pearl Viar; by sisters Anna Francis Canada, Ebbie Lee Parker, Montine Robertson, and Virginia Crihfield Austin; by brothers; C.Wilson Viar and L. R. Viar. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Westside Baptist Church music fund or the Halls Veterans Museum.