Max Varney

Max A. Varney, 76, of Topeka, lovingly referred to as the "Miracle Man" by his doctors and nurses, succumbed following a lifelong battle with heart disease Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at Stormont-Vail Hospital.

He was born September 9, 1929 in Ness County, Kansas the son of Emil and Naoma Varney.

Max was a veteran of the Korean War having served in France as a member of the U.S. Army.

He was an active member of the community. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene where he served on the church board and as chairman of the building committee. He was an Eagle Scout and a Scout Leader. Max was a member of the Sertoma Club, Lion's Club, Topeka North Post #400 American Legion and the Kaw Valley Wood Carvers. Max also taught carving classes at his own shop. He had served as director of Pawnee County Red Cross.

Mr. Varney worked for the State of Kansas 28 years and retired from the Kansas Internal Revenue Service in 1988.

He married Effie Bingaman October 30, 1964 in Denver, Colorado. She survives. Other survivors include six children, fourteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many cousins and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Saturday, June 10, 2006 at the First Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in Rochester Cemetery. Mr. Varney will lie in state after 12:00 noon Friday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. that evening. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5375 S.W. 7th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66614. To leave a message for the family please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.