Eric Gabriel Vanrner

Eric Varner

Eric Varner, 43, of Unionville, MO, passed away at his home in Unionville on Thursday, March 22, 2012.

Eric Gabriel Varner was born in Davenport, IA, on December 2, 1968, the son of Bob and Sue Ann (Martin) Varner. He graduated from Putnam County High School in 1987 after a stellar athletic career which saw him garner numerous awards in football and track. Eric still holds some of the PC track records. He went to Graceland University in Lamoni, IA on a football scholarship and graduated in 1992.

Eric work with the Missouri Department of Liquor Control for seven years following college, serving in the Chillicothe area. He then moved to Cape Girardeau, MO, where worked in pharmaceutical sales until 2008. Eric moved back to Unionville in 2010 and had recently worked in the advertising and sales department at KTVO television in Kirksville.

Eric was a private person by nature, but he was a good and dear friend. He especially enjoyed his 1987 IROC Z which he had had rebuilt. The car was voted to appear on California’s top 12 Z’s calendar. He liked quiet boat rides on Lake Thunderhead. He was a member of LaCroix Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, MO. Eric’s greatest love was for his two children, Brett and Lauryn.

Eric Varner is survived by his two children, Brett and Lauren Varner of Jackson, MO. He is also survived by his father and mother, Bob and Sue Ann Varner of Unionville, MO, his brother, Chad Varner and wife Heather of Powersville, MO, and his sister, Natalie Hunt and husband Jamie of Unionville, MO. A grandmother, Mary Varner of Unionville, MO, also survives. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Eric was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Trusten and Beatrice Martin, and his paternal grandfather, Robert Varner.

Funeral services for Eric Varner will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, on Sunday, March 25, 2012, at 3:00 pm. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on the same day as the service. Burial will be in the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials for Eric are suggested to his two children, Brett and Lauryn, and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.