Obituary

Reuben L. Varnado

September 1, 1948 - January 18, 2023

Reuben L. Varnado a resident of Decatur, AL passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at the age of 74.

Born on September 1, 1948, to William “Bill” Varnado and Albertine “Tina” Varnado, Reuben was the youngest of 6 siblings.  Losing his dad as a teenager, Reuben was one to always look after his mother, making sure to come back to Bogalusa as often as possible.  Upon visiting, he could always be found helping his brothers put a roof on someone’s house or repair anything that was needed.

Upon graduating from Varnado High School in 1967, Reuben joined the Air Force and served until 1972.  He worked for 3M in Decatur, AL for over 25 years.  After retiring, Reuben enjoyed hunting, fishing, looking for antiques, and spending time at the Elk Lodge in Decatur – a pastime he enjoyed for 30 years.

Reuben never met a stranger, he was a friend to many and would always welcome you with the most contagious laugh and biggest hug you have ever received.  He spent many years playing the role of Santa for his community and family in Bogalusa and loved adding to his light display to make sure his was the brightest house on the street during the Christmas season.

Uncle Reub – thank you for being the fun uncle.  We are blessed to learn many valuable lessons from you such as: How to turn our eyelids inside out, how to kill a snake with bare feet, teaching us poker – he was your man.  In trouble and needed help, he was always just a phone call away.

Reuben is survived by his longtime partner, Janice Jetton Mayfield of Decatur, AL; sister, Delores (Carrol) Dixon of Brookhaven, MS and Edna (Danny) Whittington of Baton Rouge, LA; and multiple nieces and nephews, including Dawn Varnado Lambert – whom he thought of as his own.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara (Gerald) Saucier; and brothers, Charles (Wanda) Varnado and Billy Ray (Brenda) Varnado.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 27, 2023, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 11:00 A.M. until time for the services at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Chad Jenkins officiating the services.  Interment to follow at New Hope Cemetery in Crossroads, MS.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the elks Lodge #655, Decatur, Alabama.