Kenneth L. Varnell

Kenneth Leo Varnell, 82, was called home October 26, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born June 27, 1942 to Jack and Naomi Varnell in Pawnee County, Oklahoma. He was the 11th child out of 12 children raised on the family farm. They were raised in the Assembly of God church.  He graduated from Mannford High School in Oklahoma. As a young man, he rode bulls and worked wood with his hands. As an adult Kenneth was a steel fitter for Hodge Fabrication. He helped retro fit bridges in east Arkansas, helped build the Big Dam Bridge and Clinton Library Bridge in Little Rock. He also built cargo cages for the Air Force and snowplows for Union Pacific. In later years, he returned to his wood working and helped build ramps for the handicapped. All he asked for pay was beans, fried potatoes and cornbread. One of his proudest accomplishments was maintaining his sobriety for 33 years and working diligently with Alcoholics Anonymous.

Kenneth was married to Dorothy Creech Varnell for 42 years. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, a son Dennis (Susanne) Varnell of Cushing, OK, his brother Hershel Varnell and sister Beulah McDowell both of Mammford, OK. Grandchildren, April, Derek, Craig, Kayla, Billy and Ronny; Great-grandchildren Emma, Tim and Amanda. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son David, and nine of his siblings, Julia, Gerald, Mansel, Verla, Norma, Geneva, Leitha, Fred and Oneta.

The family will receive friends 2:00 PM, Saturday November 2, 2024 at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel with the service following at 3:00 PM. Interment will be at Brownsville Cemetery, Lonoke, Arkansas.