Thomas "Tom" Gary Varner

No Visitation

No services are planned at this time.

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The following was lovingly written by Tom's family...

Thomas (Tom) Gary Varner died peacefully at Ascension Saint John’s Hospital in

 Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 26, 2026.

Tom was a special needs son born on

 November 28, 1955 in Newton, Iowa. 

He was the eldest of 4 children born to 

Frederick “Gary” Varner and Janice Herrington Varner.

 Over the years growing up Tom lived in

Iowa, California, Colorado and Oklahoma. 

In 1981 he made his home in Yukon, Oklahoma living with his dad-

Gary and Gary’s wife Kathleen (Kathy).

 He moved with them to Mannford, OK in 1983

 and lived in Mannford until

he transitioned to a group home in 1993. 

He was so proud of himself when he learned to water ski

 on Lake Keystone! WOO HOO – YIPPE!

Tom strived to be independent and worked at numerous jobs while living in the group homes.

 As a result of health issues at 61, 

he proudly proclaimed: “I retired.”

Thomas was preceded in death by his grandparents. 

He is survived by his mother, Janice F. Varner of Kingsburg, CA., 

his sister Lynda (better known as DeeDee) 

and her husband Clifford Fleischbein of San Diego, CA.,

his brothers Douglas R. Varner, and Todd J. Varner,

 both of Kingsburg, CA.

 He is also survived by his father, F. Gary Varner and his wife Kathleen L. Varner 

of Mannford, Oklahoma

 and their children Scott T. Varner of Norman, OK and Kara L Coy (BJ) of McAlester, OK. 

Survivors also include eight nieces and nephews in California

and two nieces in McAlester, OK.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staffs of Springs,Inc. and Brighter Day, 

the agencies that

cared for Tom while he resided in their group homes, 

and other agencies and personnel who were on Tom’s advocacy team. 

Tom was especially fond of Darla, his behavioral specialist,

 who he lovingly called: “My best buddy.” 

Also, the family is so grateful for the doctors, nurses and

 supporting personnel at Ascension Saint John’s

Hospital for their compassionate care of Tom while he was hospitalized.

No Services planned at this time.

If anyone so desires, memorial donations can be made to:

Special Olympics of OK, P.O Box 240, Tulsa, OK 74101-0240, or

A New Leaf, P.O. Bo 2370, Owasso, OK 74055