Kenneth Varnell

Edwin Kenneth Varnell, 99, of Ooltewah, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Mr. Varnell was a life-long resident of Ooltewah. He was a member of Bayside Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and a US Army WWII veteran serving with the Combat Engineers in the European Theater. Mr. Varnell began his career as a Project Superintendent with John Martin Construction until he began his own company, Varnell Construction in 1972. He was also a member of the Gideon’s International and the Association of General Contractors.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Atwood Varnell of 47 years; second wife, Sarah Baker Varnell of 29 years; parents, Edwin and Ada Varnell; sisters, Aileen Johnson and Irene Jones; and brother, Paul Varnell.

Surviving are his two sons, Wendell (Betty) Varnell and Roddy (Carolyn) Varnell; stepchildren, Eddie (Terrie) Baker, Van (Calla) Baker and Coye Hadorn; grandchildren, Graham (Rosie) Varnell, Zach (Sarah) Varnell, Austin (Taylor) Varnell, Dan (Jamie) Varnell, Ben (Kary) Varnell and Leigh Varnell; great-grandchildren, Cash, Levi, Luke, Thor, Daisy Mae, Hazel, Olive, Daniel and Kennedy; sister, Laverne Neal; sister-in-law, Peggy Varnell; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be from 12 Noon - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Bayside Baptist Church (6100 TN-58, Harrison, TN 37341). Funeral Services will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Grady Cooper and Rev. Zach Varnell officiating.

Burial will follow at Varnell Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Varnell Cemetery Association (7426 Emanon Road, Harrison, TN 37341).

The family would like to give a special thank you to Debra Hogan for her years of service as a care giver.

Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.