Gregory Allen Varco

Gregory Allen Varco, age 68 of Owosso passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings~Lyons Chapel, 520 West Main St., Owosso, MI 48867. Jeff Princinski will officiate the service. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 PM until the time of service.
Greg was born April 22, 1955 in Owosso, Michigan to Gale Wesley and Carol Joanne (Bullard) Varco. A lifelong resident of Owosso, he attended Owosso Public Schools. Growing up in Shiawassee County, he enjoyed the great outdoors and loved to go hunting and smelt dipping in his early years. He entered the United States Army on August 17, 1972, serving his country bravely and earning the National Defense Service Medal and a Marksman Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar. Upon his re-entry to civilian life, Greg worked in construction and eventually found himself managing Owosso Carpet. He married the love of his life, Mary J. Rann on October 28, 1988 at Curwood Castle, although their union ended, they remained as close as two people could be throughout life. He was the owner/operator of Varco's Carpet & More for many years on Chipman Street. He continued his love of being outdoors and funneled this into having a great lawn for all to enjoy. Greg was known to love sports, especially the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and was an avid U of M fan. His favorite holiday was "hands down" the 4th of July where he put on the most amazing fireworks display for everyone to enjoy, he traveled even out of state to obtain the pyrotechnics. He will be remembered as a person who never met a stranger, making friends wherever he went effortlessly. Greg was passionate about his recovery and was willing to share his successes and challenges to help anyone seeking help towards recovery; speaking at meetings or being a mentor to another. This is the legacy he leaves behind; one of love, kindness, friendship and a fighting spirit he carried with him until his passing.
He is lovingly survived by his children, Heather (Jon) Peters, Christopher Varco, Tonya McClung, Nicholas Dearman, and Zachary Vance; grandchildren, Lilly, Jacob, Geoffrey, Ryleigh, Gracelynne, Addison, Grace, Aubrey, Hannah, Hank, Keith, Hayden, Savannah, Addie, and Nate; great-grandchildren, Alyciana, Kaizer, and Jonathon; his former wife and friend, Mary Rann; his siblings, Richard Varco, Debbie (Doug) Meyers, Patti Borton, Vicky Burl, and Rob (Holly) Burl; his best friend, Jeff Princinski; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Carol; his step-son, Chad Dearman; great-granddaughter, Estella; and sister-in-law, Connie Varco.
Memorials in his name are suggested to: The Family of Gregory Varco or Narcotics Anonymous.
Online condolences may be shared at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com.