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Donald Varner Obituary
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Don was born in Canton MS, shortly after he moved with his family to Yazoo City. He grew up on Lamar Street with his neighbor, David Byrd. Don made many lifelong friends playing on Yazoo City's legend baseball teams, Hailey Barber and Jim Simmons to name a few. He played on the Little League team, the Rotary Mouse's. Yazoo City was big rivals with Canton and Provine, all 3 were powerhouses in the North Mississippi athletic district.
Don's family moved back to Canton in time for him to begin school in the 9th grade.
He played on the outstanding Canton High Basketball team led by well-known Coach Cooper. He was a graduate of the largest class to graduate from CHS in 1967.
Don went on to graduate in 1970 from Mississippi State University in Veterinary medicine. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity where many friendships were made. After graduating from MSU, Don was accepted into Auburn University's School of Veterinary Medicine, receiving his doctoral degree in 1974. After graduating from Auburn, Don became a partner with Dr. Billie Flynn in the Canton Animal Hospital where he practiced for 30 plus years. He was well known for his knowledge of horses.
After private practice, Don was appointed as a Federal Veterinarian with the USDA. He traveled for years all over the United States
as emergency situations occurred in animal health.
After many years of service Don retired to spend time with his loving wife and family. Don especially loved being PaPa Doc to his grandchildren and was very generous with his love. His big delight was seeing and hearing what they were doing in their own lives.
Don was a very smart, loving, caring and funny guy who will be missed beyond all measures. May he rest in eternal peace with God.
He was preceded in death by: father, Leo Varner; mother, Louise Foster Varner; son, Jeff Varner; and step-son, Ed Blurton.
Survivors include: wife, Kay Varner; son, Brad Varner (Jenny); daughter, Fran Elder (Jim); step-sons, Joe Blurton and Chris Blurton (Eileen); sister, Judy Varner; grandchildren, Hayden Varner, Allie Varner, Mary Varner Elder, and Janey Elder; step-grandchildren, Clark Blurton (Julie), Laura Katherine Biggs (Stephen), Addie Paczak (John Martin), and Allie Blurton; and 3 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Matthews United Methodist Church; 7427 Old Canton Road; Madison, MS 39110.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Leo Varner, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Mikell Davis
July 18, 2025
Lifting up thoughts and prayers to Don´s family
Mary Cheek and Mikell Davis
Marion Andrews
July 18, 2025
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. We were high school classmates! I heard so many compliments about Don over the years. May god bless your family with peace and comfort.
Marion Wainwright Andrews
Jamie Nelson
July 17, 2025
I´m very sorry for you loss
Dr. Jamie Nelson DVM
Baldwyn ms
Frank Branch
July 17, 2025
So sorry to hear of Don´s passing. He was a valued friend and colleague for many years.
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3304 South Liberty Street, Canton, MS 39046
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