Lawrence 'Charlie' Varvel

OAKWOOD - Lawrence “Charlie” Varvel, 67, of Oakwood passed away Sunday, August 10, 2014 of complications from esophageal cancer, at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis. Born November 24, 1946 he was the son of Lawrence Franklin and Betty Lou (Seilhymer) Varvel. He married Diane Kay Bailey on January 10, 1970 in Danville. Charlie served his country with honor in the United States Army as an Artillery Specialist during the Vietnam War. Following his time in the Army Charlie was a railroader, working for Norfolk Southern for 36 years retiring in November, 2006. He was a member UTU Railroaders Union. Charlie loved his family, riding his Harley, camping at the quarry and mowing the grass. He was a very hard worker and never missed work. He loved playing the drums, building model train sets, and meeting friends for coffee in the mornings. Charlie had a special place in his heart for his miniature schnauzer, Molly. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Diane; two sons, Charlie (Michelle) Varvel of Oakwood and Brian (Toya) Varvel of Danville; one daughter, Rhonda Varvel of Oakwood; two grandchildren, Bailee and Tanner Varvel; one uncle, Bob (Eleanor) Barker of Greenwood, IN; one cousin, Bob (Julie) Barker Jr., and daughter Alexandria of Zionsville, IN; one aunt, Edna Seilhymer on Danville; four brothers-in-law, Steven (Robin) Bailey of Danville, Ray (Dianne) Bailey of Henning, Donny Bailey of Tuscola and Ronny Bailey of Mesa, AZ; two sisters-in-law, Kathy (Bob) Mattingly of Oakwood and Penny Walls of Danville. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rosco and Dolly Seilhymer; paternal grandparents, Ernest and Bertha Varvel; an uncle, Chuck Seilhymer; a cousin, Kenny Seilhymer; and a brother-in-law, Mike Bailey. A service to celebrate Charlies life will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 14th at Sunsets Oakwood Chapel, A Life Celebration Home in Oakwood. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service Thursday. Burial with military honors will be at Stearns Cemetery in Fithian. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for C.A.R.A. Animal Shelter in Tilton. Please join Charlies family in sharing memories, pictures and video of his life through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.