Robert L. Varnum Jr.

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Robert L. Varnum Jr., 56, died March 31, 2012 at home in Mississippi.

A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 18 at Du Quoin United Pentecostal Church with Pastor Dan McKinnies officiating.

Robert was born on Sept. 8, 1955 in Davenport, Iowa, the son of the late Robert Lee Varnum Sr. and Lora Varnum. Reared in Du Quoin, Ill., he graduated from Du Quoin High School and continued his education at John A.Logan College in Carterville, Ill. A resident of Edwards, Miss. and formerly of Vicksburg, Miss., Robert was a master machinist at Letourneau Industries. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially working in his yard and garden. Robert loved astronomy and following NASA. Robert will be most remembered as a loving father, a cherished grandfather and a beloved brother and friend.

Survivors include his son, Jeremy Robert Varnum of Springfield, Mo.; daughter, Jennifer Renea Varnum of Du Quoin, Ill.; son, Zachary Keith Varnum of Vicksburg, Miss.; grandson, Michael Blaine Harris; sisters, Betty Atchason of Taylorville, Ill., Debbie Rogers of Kansas City, Mo. and Alice Swetland of Du Quoin, Ill.