General Jasper Varn

Brigadier General (Retired) Jasper Brabham Varn, Jr., age 90, entered into rest on October 16, 2016 at his Generations of Irmo assisted living home. 

He was the devoted husband of sixty-five years of Mrs. Barbara Wiles Varn. BG (Ret) Varn was born on May 24th, 1926 in the Colston Community of Bamberg County. He was the youngest child of the late Jasper B. Varn, Sr. and the late Florrie McMillan Varn. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Floyd Monroe Varn (Gigs) and Florence Varn Priess.

Mr. Varn graduated from Bamberg High School in 1941 and attended the University of South Carolina from 1941 to 1945. He served his state and country as a member of the S.C. Army National Guard for 40 years. His last assignment was the position of Deputy Adjutant General. Mr. Varn was employed as a S.C. National Guard Technician for 39 years and retired in 1987. He received numerous prestigious military and civilian awards.

In addition, he was a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 5th Masonic District of SC. Masons, a Past Master of Union Lodge #247 A.F.M in Ehrhardt, SC., a life member of Ornan Lodge #38 A.F.M. in Bamberg, SC, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Yorkrite Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

He was a devoted member of the Colston Branch Baptist Church where he was a past Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was also a member of the Bamberg Lion’s Club, the Gideon’s International and a Life Member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (Rivers Bridge Camp).

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, gardening and farming.

BG (Ret) Varn also previously served as a member and chairman of the Bamberg County Council and as the county’s representative to the Lower Savannah Council of Governments.

He was a 60 year member of the U.S.C. Gamecock Club and was a past president of the Bamberg Gamecock Club. In 2014 he was recognized as a U.S.C. “Legendary Fan of the Game.”

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his son, Jasper B. Varn, III (Jappy) and his wife Jill of Irmo, SC. and his daughter, Carla Varn DuPre and husband Paul of Columbia, SC.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jasper B. Varn, IV (Brab) and wife Jillian of Chapin, SC, Shannon Varn Anderson and husband John of Chapin, SC. Brett C. Hammond of Irmo, SC, Madison S. Hammond of Irmo, SC, J. Paul DuPre, III and fiancé Kortney Baker of Lexington, SC and Wiles M. DuPre, Clara M. DuPre and Patrick L. DuPre all of Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to the following:  Colston Branch Baptist Church, 655 Sunday School Road, Bamberg, South Carolina 29003; or to, Shriners’ Hospital for Children, 950 W Faris Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29605.

Services will be held at 11 o’clock Wednesday morning, October 19, 2016, in Bamberg First Baptist Church, 11823 Heritage Highway, Bamberg.  Interment with full military honors will follow at Shady Rest Cemetery in the Colston Community (locate by Google Maps using: McMillan Cemetery, Ehrhardt, S.C.).

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 6 o’clock until 8 o’clock Tuesday evening at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, EHRHARDT-BAMBERG CHAPEL, 2515 Lowcountry Highway, Ehrhardt, 803.267.1971. Visit our online registry at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

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