Richard E. Varner

He was born Nov. 27, 1960, in Elkins a son of the late Kelly Varner and the late Bessie Pennington Varner. On Sept. 10, 1988, in Elkins, he married Pamela Harper Varner, who survives in Elkins.

Also surviving is one son, Jared Varner and wife, Chelsey, Elkins; a daughter, Christa Varner, and husband, Kyle Robertson, of Morgantown, West Virginia; two brothers, Jimmy Varner and Annette and Delmas Evans and Darlene all of Harman, West Virginia; two sisters, Diane Minninger and Gary of Harman, West Virginia. and Arvilla Godwin of Elkins. Two grandchildren, Carolina and Remington; and two sisters-in-law, Connie Varner and Barb Farrar; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Also preceding him in death were two sisters, Patty Brown and her late husband, Jim Brown, and Louise Harper and her late husband, Roger Harper; three brothers, Ron Varner, Don Varner and Bill Varner; and brother-in-law, Layne Godwin.

Richard was a graduate of Harman High School where he lettered in basketball from 1977 until 1979 and was named to the Little Mountain All Conference Team in 1979. He was twice inducted into the Randolph County Hall of Fame as part of the basketball team of 1978-79 and for his individual achievements. After high school, he continued his love of basketball by becoming a WVSSAC basketball official for many years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed every opportunity to be in the outdoors.

Richard was employed as a tree trimmer and general foreman for Asplundh for 44 years prior to his retirement. Richard and Pam attended the Alliance Community Church.

Friends may call from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, from the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jay Ketterman officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. State Memorial Gardens near Gilman.

The family request contributions be made to the Harman Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 125, Harman, WV 26270 in memory of Richard.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Richard E. Varner.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.