September 2, 1952 ~ September 2, 2022
Kenneth Melvin Varnado, age 71, received the ultimate birthday gift of new life in heaven with his Lord and Savior on September 2, 2023. He was born on September 2, 1952 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He moved on to his new heavenly home peacefully surrounded by family and special friends after bravely fighting a long illness.
He was a native of Denham Springs, Louisiana and resident of Baton Rouge. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 50 years Janet (Watts) Varnado. He is also survived by his two sons, Scott Varnado and Kyle Varnado; brother, Richard Varnado (Jean); sister Susan Scardina (Bryan) all of Denham Springs; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Leonard and Gloria “Jackie” Varnado; and sister, Rhonda (Varnado) Stratton.
He graduated from Denham Springs High School in 1970, attended LSU and Northeast Louisiana University; served in the US Air Force from 1972-1976 at Patrick AFB in Cocoa Beach, Florida; grew up attending First Baptist Church Denham Springs; was a member of First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, Florida during his military service; and a long time member of Amite Baptist Church, Denham Springs. He was a plumbing contractor and ran his own business for 35 years. He cherished time spent with family and friends fishing, trail hiking, kayaking, and watching LSU sports. One of his greatest joys was singing and ministering with his gospel trio group Mercy’s Bridge. He will always be remembered for his quick wit sense of humor and friendly spirit by those who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs from 9 AM until 11:00 AM with memorial service at 11:00 AM in the chapel conducted by Rev. Gerald Martin.
Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Park in Denham Springs, LA
Pall bearers will be: Bryan Scardina, Matthew Varnado, Joshua Varnado, Riley Varnado, Donald Spring, Steve Jackson, Tyler Scardina, and honorary pallbearer Larry Kelly. Please sign the online guestbook at www.sealefuneral.com
8 comments
Tom Brown
October 16, 2023 at 1:42 pm
I just learned of Kenny’s passing. Kenny was a close friend in high school and church. He was kind, thoughtful, and had a great sense of humor. He was genuinely a good guy. Unfortunately, we lost touch completely after high school, but I have no doubt that he retained all these traits and continued to spread kindness all his years. Condolences to Janet and family.
Grover Morris Smith
September 6, 2023 at 10:57 pm
A gentle man, Blessing to all who knew him as are all the Varnado family. Sharon Ann Thompson/Smith and Grover M. Smith
Josh Hoover
September 5, 2023 at 10:29 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mr Kenny was always a kind, generous, hard working, and witty man. I’ll always remember him be a humble, gentle spirit who accomplished so much. I wish I could be there for the services, I’ll arrive on Thursday to pay my respects Friday.
Jim & Lynette DeLaune
September 5, 2023 at 9:31 pm
Lynette and i will dearly miss our ole friend. Our condolences and prayers to Janet and the whole family.
Creighton Verges
September 5, 2023 at 3:04 pm
As genuine a person as I have ever known. A friendly man of integrity with a kind heart and a quick witted sense of humor. An outstanding plumber, who lead, with a strong helping hand from his bride, a very successful business for many years. To those who knew him, we are the fortunate. And if you got to work with him in the plumbing industry, the very fortunate. To those of you who did not, I hope you get to know and work with someone like Kenny. Such an experience will make you a better person and your life more fulfilling.
Lillian Pakunpanya-Ruiz and Tony Ruiz
September 5, 2023 at 2:49 pm
Our hearts rejoice for our brothers ultimate healing but mourn our temporary separation of his earthly presence. One day we will reunite on heavens shore and ” what a glorious day that will be”! Praying for God’s peace and comfort for his family and all that loved and new this wonderful man of God! Till we meet again, our brother-in-Christ.
Shasta Looper
September 5, 2023 at 12:52 am
My life is full of memories of Mr. Kenny. There will never be a trip to the mountains without thinking of him. My first Tennessee camping trip was full of laughter and smiles. I’ll never forget the year the skunks visited our Cade’s Cove camping spot or the year I was devastated when I fell and tore my new Guess jeans. We were sitting in Wendy’s when someone walked in with intentionally torn jeans. You immediately said, “Shasta, now you are in style!” Your smile and quick wit will be missed. Thank you for being such a great friend to my family!
Melinda Rogers
September 4, 2023 at 11:08 pm
Dear Janet.
How my heart is hurting for you. He was a fine man and had such a Godly spirit. You and yours are in my prayers.
Melinda Rogers