VARNELL, COLEMAN
7/11/1940 - 8/19/2016
Decatur, Alabama
Coleman Marlo Varnell, 76, passed away Friday, August 19, 2016, in Decatur, Alabama. He was born July 11, 1940, in Decatur, to E. Ellis Varnell and B. Marie Varnell, and preceded in death by his two older sisters, Lurlene Decker and Thelma Boothe.
He is survived by Sally Varnell, his wife of 33 years, of Schoolcraft; his two sons, Robert Coleman Varnell of Annapolis, Maryland, and Jonathan Marlo Varnell, of Portage, Michigan; his six grandchildren, William (15), Anna (13), and Maria (11, who shares her grandfather's 7-11 birthday), each of Annapolis, and Marcus (12), Bradley (7), and Megan (5), each of Portage; two daughters-in-law, Danielle of Annapolis, and Andrea of Portage; his two younger sisters, Evelyn Boothe, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jean Porter, of Decatur, Alabama; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews, mostly of northern Alabama and southwest Michigan.
Coleman moved to Michigan with his family in 1955, part of the northern migration following World War ll. In Michigan, he owned and built his own business, Varnell Plating Company, located in Three Rivers, was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Kalamazoo, and in Schoolcraft raised a family, of which he was extremely proud. Late in life, Coleman returned to Alabama, where his youngest sister took good care of him. Coleman had a great sense of humor, quick wit, and a love for people. He will be missed.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 3, at 3:00 p.m., at Schoolcraft Assembly of God Church, with Pastor Fred Betcher officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, with refreshments immediately afterward.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Schoolcraft Assembly of God Church.
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