Robert E. Varner, 89 of Loda, passed away at 6:03 a.m. Monday, November 21, 2022, at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Loda. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Loda with military honors accorded by the Loda American Legion Post 503.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, November 28 at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells Street, Paxton with a rosary at 3:00 p.m.

Bob was born March 14, 1933, in East Lynn the son of Fleming and Marion Thieben Varner. He married Carol Ann Magrini March 31, 1956 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Paxton. She preceded him in death December 16, 2007.

He is survived by one son, Robert (Janet) Varner, Jr. of Fairview Heights; two daughters, Lynn Neubauer of Loda, Jackie (Alan) Swanstrom of Loda; six grandchildren Alex Neubauer, Ean Neubauer, Andrew Varner, Paige Swanstrom, Macey (Gauge) Snider, Brock (Pooja Patel) Swanstrom; five great grandchildren Bradyn and Korbyn Neubauer, Stella Polson, Rhett and Smyth Snider, a brother William (Nancy) Varner of Oklahoma City, OK and two sisters-in-law, Arlene Varner of Morris and Sandy Anderson of St. Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son James Joseph; son-in-law, Larry Neubauer and two brothers, James and Donald Varner.

Bob graduated from Loda High School. He proudly served in the United States Army 1953-1955 in the Korean War. He retired in 1988 from the carpenter shop, Civil Service, Chanute Air Force Base. After his retirement, he worked for Birkey's Farm Store and Kraft Foods.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Loda, the Knights of Columbus, Loda American Legion Post 503, Paxton V.F.W., and Loda Fire Department. Bob also served on the Pine Ridge Cemetery Board and was a former president. He had also been Village of Loda Mayor and Trustee.

Bob enjoyed camping and loved helping the Loda Legion with their activities especially the fish fry's. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Illini fan. But nothing meant more to him than just being together with his family.

Memorials may be made to the Loda American Legion Post 503 or the Pine Ridge Cemetery. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.