Gene Varner of Lake Fork
Gene met his soulmate, Janis Sharp at the age of 14 and after their high school graduation, they married on August 20, 1960. They began their lives working side by side in the Texas panhandle. Gene had an undeniable ambitious spirit and after a few years decided to move his family to Grapevine TX. He purchased Grapevine Camper Sales before the age of 30.
After the sale and success of his first business, he learned to fly and then purchased Aero Valley Airport in Roanoke. He promoted general aviation and provided the opportunity for others to learn how to fly, including part of his family. Many friendships began here that would last his lifetime. He sold the airport in 1982 and moved his family to Lamar County.
He purchased 680 acres in Unity TX and worked his own cattle ranch appropriately naming it the Bar-V Ranch. A few years later he was ready to get back in the retail business and bought Powderly True Value Hardware. After the success of another business, he continued his entrepreneurial spirit when he purchased Value Mobile Homes in Powderly.
After 20 years of success in Lamar County, Gene retired and moved to Lake Fork where wonderful memories of fishing and water activities were enjoyed by his family.
Gene always had a passion for classic country and gospel music, and he wanted to share his passion with others, so he created a website in 2008. He and Janis worked diligently every day to add lyrics and chords to thousands of songs, and to this day people from all over the world have enjoyed visiting their website. A dear family friend will continue his legacy on this website:
www.classic-country-song-
Gene is survived by his wife Janis, son Todd Varner and wife Norma, daughters, Keasha Varner and Yveatte Moore, grandchildren, JoKyle & Samantha Varner, Taylor Peffer, Kendall Dane, Evan Moore, and Kiana Dane. Gene was blessed with seven great grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved son-in-law Charles Moore.
At Gene’s request, there will not be a service. His desire was to share a special song from his website: “When Tomorrow Starts Without Me” recorded by Tony Booth
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