Merle Morris Varnell was promoted to heaven on May 30, 2019 just two weeks shy of his 82nd birthday. He passed away at home, comfortably, with his loving family. He was a Navy Veteran, stationed on the USS Grouper Submarine in the 1950's. A native of Pueblo, Colorado, he loved fishing, music, lawn mowing, his dogs, and Braum's Burgers. He kept busy throughout his life as a heating and air man, parks foreman, and a true jack of all trades.

Survived by his devoted wife Kitty, they married in 1975, and blended their two families together. They enjoyed many adventures together after retirement including a road trip throughout the Pacific Northwest in his bright red Dodge Magnum, aka "the pimpmobile." Merle battled dementia in recent years, but never lost his sense of humor and ornery disposition. His wife bravely remained his primary caretaker and constant support.

In heaven he is probably drinking a Pepsi and happily greeting his Mother, Alice, Father, Maury, Step-Father, Lee, as well as Lora and Merlyn, Winston, Jim Swan, and other loved ones.

His family was his world, and he is also survived by his children: Trevor and wife Lori, Todd, Tim and Terri, Jere and wife Gina, Stephanie and husband Josh, Brandi and husband Jeff; his sister: Sharon; and his 11 grandchildren: Nathan, Dillon, Teresa, Courtney, Jere, Hannah, Leah, Eli, Jordan, Otto, and Bellamy.

Services will be held at Memorial Park Chapel, 51st and Memorial, on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 10am. In lieu of flowers please donate to: Good Shepherd Hospice; St. Jude Children's Hospital; Dementia Society of America. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233, please leave a memory on this webpage.