Coleman Marlo Varnell
Decatur
Coleman Marlo Varnell, 76, passed away Friday, August 19, 2016, in Decatur, Alabama. He was born July 11, 1940, in Decatur, to E. Ellis Varnell and B. Marie Varnell, and preceded in death by his two older sisters, Lurlene Decker and Thelma Boothe.
He is survived by Sally Varnell, his wife of 33 years; his two sons, Robert Coleman Varnell of Annapolis, Maryland, and Jonathan Marlo Varnell, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; his six grandchildren; William (15), Anna (13), and Maria (11, and who shares her grandfather's 7-11 birthday), each of Annapolis, Marcus (12), Bradley (7), and Megan (5), each of Kalamazoo; two daughter-in-laws,Danielle of Annapolis and Andrea of Kalamazoo; his two younger sisters; Evelyn Boothe, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jean Porter, of Decatur, Alabama; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews, mostly of northern Alabama and southwest Michigan.
Coleman moved to Michigan with his family in 1955, part of the northern migration following World War II. In Michigan, he owned and built his own business, Varnell Plating Company, located in Three Rivers, was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Kalamazoo, and raised a family, of which he was extremely proud. Late in life, Coleman returned to Alabama, where his sister Jean took very good care of him. Coleman had a great sense of humor; quick wit, and a love for people. He will be missed.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 27, at 11:00 a.m., at Ridout's Brown-Service Funeral Home, with Reverend Joe Holmes officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A second set of services will be held in Michigan at a date still to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church of Decatur, Alabama.