George Varns

George Weinman Varns died peacefully on May 1, 2020 at Colonial Assisted Living Community in Vincennes, Indiana. He was born May 31, 1926 in Strasburg, Ohio, son Wilbur and Olga Weinman Varns. George received his name because both of his grandfathers were also named George. He was the oldest of three children including sister Carol and brother Bob. His father was a farmer until he was married when he took a job with a lumber mill. After the 1928 market crash, he resumed farming.George was baptized at St. John's Evangelical Church which was one block from the family's first home. The Varns family always attended Sunday School and church. Their hard work ethic influenced George throughout his life and he continually strived to do his best in whatever he undertook. His education began in a one room school house and later continued when schools closed and redistricting took place. His favorite subjects were history and music. He was small for his age and when larger boys picked on him, he took on the attitude of turning the other cheek. He continued this philosophy all through his life and found that it worked in all situations. In 1932 a young minster came to St. John's and it was his influence and the encouragement of a close friend that caused him to consider studying for the ministry. He enrolled at Elmhurst College in 1944 and eventually at Eden Seminary in 1947 where he immensely enjoyed all that his professors had to offer. It was during his seminary years that he began to nurture a long-lasting relationship with Ruth Voelm of Dover, Ohio. They were eventually married on June 18, 1950. Their first home together was in the parsonage at Lewisville, Ohio where he was called as minister to three one room rural churches. He served there for 10 years and during that time they united the three churches as one. Also, during their time there, three of their children were born, Rachel, Nathan and Tom. In November 1960 George was called to Bethel United Church of Christ in Freelandville, Indiana, the largest rural U.C.C. congregation in the U.S. (650 members). For 18 years he served that church through many faith shaping events including the Viet Nam war, youth group trips and church camp activities at Merom where he directed many summer camps. Also during that time, George presided over 304 youth confirmations, many marriages and funerals and two trips to India on mission projects. Two significant times for him in the community were when he was involved in the forming of a new care facility in Freelandville and his service on the North Knox school board. His faith journey took a significant turn in 1978 when he decided he needed a change in the direction of his life. During this time he became a consistent runner eventually running in over 18 marathons. In 1996 he ran in the 100th Boston Marathon 45 days before his 70th birthday. As part of his new life direction, he was offered a position with Vincennes University to work with Disadvantage and Disabled Students and provided leadership for this program during the next 13 years. In 1991 he retired from V.U. and was challenged to head up a new endeavor called STEP AHEAD, coordinating the services of all Social Service Agencies in Knox County, volunteering for the next three years.In 1995 George was invited to be a pastoral assistant at St. John United Church of Christ in Vincennes, working with the congregation for the next 10 years. Simply put, God has guided his life through family and friends, job opportunities, and travel experiences; through many educational opportunities, world events and experiences in India, Ohio and Indiana. Through them he could constantly see the hand of God at work in the world. His legacy of love and open acceptance has touched and influenced many lives throughout his 93 years. Of all the words of scripture that have encouraged and guided him, his confirmation memory verse has been his constant source of inspiration. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."His family: Rachel and (Steve) Parker, Grants Pass Or, Nathan and (Sophary(deceased)) Varns of Portland Or, Tom and (Anne) Varns, Bloomington In and Peter Varns (Brian Occoner) Chatham, Mass. are profoundly grateful to be part of the legacy that George and his wife Ruth (deceased) gave them. Grandsons, Theodore, David, Daniel and Andrew share many special memories with Grampy and Grammy and will miss the special attention they always received when visiting.Special thanks to the staff at Gentle Care and most recently the staff at Colonial for their compassionate and kind care of Dad. Due to the current Covid pandemic a celebration of George's life will be at a later date. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery near Freelandville. A Facebook page has been established in his name should any friends and family wish to share special memories.A memorial fund has been established for the Merom Camps and Retreat center where George spent many summers directing camps and being counselor. Contributions for Merom can be made through St. Johns United Church of Christ.