Sterling A. Varner

Sterling A. Varner
Pittsfield -
Sterling A. Varner, age 87 of Pittsfield, IL passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. Sterling was born to Merle and Mildred Campbell Varner on July 21, 1935 in Hamburg, IL. He married Peggy Ralaford on April 23, 1966 in Louisiana, MO and she preceded him in death on May 22, 2013.
Sterling was born and raised in Hamburg, IL, graduating from Hardin High School class of 1953. Upon graduating he entered the United States Air Force serving for four years in California before he was honorably discharged. After serving his military time he started his trucking career. He started with Gully Truckline in Quincy also driving for Eastern Express before ending his career with ABF in 1993. He received several pins and recognitions over the years for his safe driving and was a member of the Springfield Teamster Union. Sterling didn't actually retire at this point in his life, he went on to drive the roll-off truck for W.W. Sanitation/Area Disposal and also hauled grain for Delford Richter and Phil Bauer. His final employment was County Market where he became the delivery man for the homebound until around 2020 when he fully retired. Sterling and Peg also owned and operated the Dip & Dog Ice Cream Shop in Griggsville from 1987-1990.
Sterling loved his cars, especially his Cadillacs which he kept in pristine condition. You could always see him and Peggy out driving around or heading to the boat. Sterling was her chauffer, he didn't gamble, but always enjoyed the steak dinner. He was a coffee shop guy, where many friendships were made. Most recently he enjoyed Haymakers, where he became a loyal customer and the employees became his family. He always supported the Moose Lodge on Saturdays by purchasing a porkchop sandwich. And he would never pass up a trip to the Dari Ripple. Sterling was very conservative, maybe a little "tight", but was friendly, outgoing, had a good sense of humor and dearly loved his family. He will be missed.
He is survived by his daughters, Kelly (Sue Froding-Adams) Mueller of Lebanon, IL, Pamela (James) Haug-Ciaccio of Jacksonville, IL and Shawn Bauer of Jacksonville, IL; five grandchildren, Katherine Mueller, Spencer Sterling Mueller, Shane Bauer, Zach Meier and Katie Meier; one great grandchild Baby Meier on the way; one brother David Varner of Tennessee; and special extended family, Wendy Smith and family, Pittsfield, IL.
Sterling was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Peggy Varner, one brother, Adrian Varner and one son-in-law, Mike Bauer.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 14, 2022 at Niebur Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the West Cemetery in Pittsfield. Memorials are suggested to the Pittsfield West Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield has been entrusted with the arrangements.