SHADE VALLEY, George M. Varner, 89, of Shade Valley died at 10:25 a.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at his home.
Born on June 26, 1923 in Lack Twp., Juniata County, he was a son of the late James and Alva Vay (Shore) Varner. On July 10, 1942, he married his late wife Beulah H. (Hart) Varner, with whom he shared more than 52 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on November 10, 1994.
Surviving are his children, William J. Varner and his fiancée Gloria J. Arnold, of Shade Valley, John “Ed” Varner and his companion Althea Sue Coons, of Shade Gap and he leaves behind 19 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.
One son, Donald M. Varner preceded him in death. He was the last of his generation having been preceded in death by two brothers, Martin Varner, James Varner and three sisters, Sarah Clayton, Pearl Burdge, and Dorothy Fultz.
George was a 1942 graduate of Juniata Joint High School, Mifflintown and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WW II in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theaters earning five bronze stars.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he was the second generation to own and operate the family farm that at one time included Varner’s Store. He was born, worked and died on the farm that he cherished.
He was a charter member of the Cross Keys Conservation Club and a member of the Tuscarora Grange No. 774, East Waterford.
His many interests included hunting and trout fishing. He was also a people person who served as a mentor to many young people as well as a concerned member of the Shade Valley community who often called friends and neighbors and visited local nursing homes. He was also known as a student of the Bible and was considered by many the local historian of Shade Valley and the surrounding area.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 28, 2013 from the Richvale United Methodist Church, Richvale with the Rev. Robert Varner and Rev. Marlin “Butch” Neil officiating. Interment will follow in the Book Cemetery, Shade Valley, where the Juniata County Veterans Council will accord full military burial honors.
Viewing will be from 6 – 8 p.m. Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge St., Mifflintown and from 10 a.m. until the time of service, Monday at the church.
For those who desire, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Varner’s memory to Cross Keys Conservation Club, 2195 Rte. 35 South, East Waterford, PA 17021.

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