William "Ray" Varner

William "Ray" Varner, 92, of Towanda, KS, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at home. Visitation 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Headley Funeral Chapel. Service 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 12, 2022, at Towanda United Methodist Church, Towanda, KS. Burial will follow at Andover Cemetery Andover, KS. Ray was born in Towanda, KS on November 16, 1929, to the late Eunice (Pierce) and Grant Varner. He lived on the same farm where he was born for all his life. He graduated from Towanda High School in 1947. Ray served in the U.S. Army and was a farmer for most of his life. Ray was a member of the Square Dancing Club and the Whitewater Water Shed Board for 42 years. He enjoyed wood working, reading western books, and roller skating.  Ray also enjoyed giving hay rack rides to the youth at church. On February 12, 1983, he married Mary Elizabeth (Throckmorton) (Van Arsdale) Varner. She preceded him in death in 2020. He was also preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Van Arsdale, Jr.; brothers, Delbert, Donald and Milborn Varner; sister, Lela Henry and her husband Ed; and brother in law, Joe Lill. He is survived by: daughters, Elizabeth Swarts and husband Eddie, Julie Cornell; son, Dennis Van Arsdale; sister, Wilma Lill; 9 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and sisters-in-law, Pat and Lynda Varner. Memorial donations to Towanda United Methodist Church - United Methodist Women 103 S.4th St. Towanda, KS 67144 or Towanda Public Library 620 Highland Towanda, KS 67144.