"Mansel Lavon Varnell", a lifetime resident of Mannford, OK, passed away peacefully at his home last Sunday morning, May 26, 2013 at the age of 89. He was 1 of 12 children, born on February 7, 1924. He completed 7 years of school before having to drop out to help the family with the farm. He married the love of his life, Grace Fern Dodd, on August 14, 1944. He and Fern made their home in Mannford, where they raised their children. Shortly after marrying, he was drafted into the army and served 2 years.

After returning home, Mansel worked as a pipefitter for CE Natco (formerly known as National Tank Company) for 34 years until they closed the plant. He did custom butchering for people all around Mannford and the surrounding areas, as well as using his skill of welding to build various items for people such as stock racks, gates, panels, etc. He could build just about anything someone wanted, and he did it well and with great precision. Later in life, he and Fern butchered chickens for several years. People would come from great distances sometimes with their chickens, because it was difficult to find someone who provided this service.

After watching Fern's steadfastness in her faith and diligence in taking their children to church, a good friend at the local hardware store, Raymond Holmes, had a talk with Mansel one day about his soul and his need to be going with this family to church. He took his friend's advice and was soon in a Bible study with the minister. He surrendered his life to Christ in baptism at the age of 43 and became a faithful follower of Jesus from then on.

Mansel is survived by 3 daughters, Linda Benham and husband Herbert of Cumberland Furnace, TN; Beverly Grigar of Richmond, TX; and Lori Varnell of Mannford, OK; 1 daughter-in-law, Janie Varnell of Drumright, OK; 6 grandchildren, Roy Jr. Varnell and wife Janet, Penny Lowry, Brian Varnell, Darrin Varnell and wife Chastity, Carry Jurek and wife Carla, and Sammy Jurek and wife Kelli, and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters Julia Dodd, Beulah McDowell, Geneva Wilson, Norma Hart, Letha Velmer, and Oneta Lewis and brothers, Kenneth Varnell and wife Dorothy, and Hershel Varnell and wife Beverly.

Mansel was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Jack and Naomi Agnes Varnell, his wife of 54 years, Fern Varnell, his sons Roy Varnell Sr. and Rex Allen Varnell, 2 grandchildren, Tonya Doty and Steve Doty, 1 sister Verla Jones and 2 brothers Gerald Varnell and Fred Varnell.

Mansel worked hard all his life, always sacrificing daily for his family. He had a smile that would light up any room and a heart even bigger. He was a friend to everyone he met, treating each person with respect and kindness. He was steadfast in his faith to the end and knew without a doubt where he was going when life in his temporary body was over. He loved to sing and drew strength from gospel songs and the message within them. I, Lori, told Dad if every child in this world had been so blessed as to have a dad like him, what a different place this world would be! He was loved by so many, and he will be forever missed!

Services were held at 10:00AM Thursday, May 30, 2013 at The Church of Christ 567 Greenwood Ave. 74044 Mannford, Oklahoma.
Interment followed at Oak Hill Cemetery, Mannford, Oklahoma

*Memorial Gifts may be given in care of the church, in Mansel's memory.