William Varnadore
William Varnadore, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Salina Regional Health Center, in Salina, KS at the age of 73. He was born on November 11, 1951, in Blackstock, South Carolina. William’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love and passion for the simple joys of life.
William was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Ella Estes, his widowed wife, Geanne Johannes, and his dear daughter, Bobbie G. Varnadore.
He is survived by his loving wife Kathy Varnadore of Salina, KS, who has been his steadfast companion for the past 15 years and their children Nathan and Kelly Varnadore of Bennington, KS, Johnny and Cora Varnadore of Salina, KS and Michelle Tomes of Wichita, KS and Amanda Ratliff of North Carolina.
William took immense pride in his role as a grandfather leaving behind a legacy of love through his grandchildren: Logan (Kendra), Alexis (Victor), Karli (Jacob), Zach, Lori (Dustin), Jacob, Blake, McKayla (James), Travis (Laurel), Jessica McBride, Brianna McBride, Brooklyn Varnadore and Kayden Varnadore. His heart also expanded to his great-grandchildren, including Manny, Cambria, Elena, Maddox, Kohen, Malakai, Connor, Olivia, Mickenzie, Aiden, Wyatt, Asher, Anthony Oddra and Annalize McBride.
A proud veteran, William served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the national defense service medal, the Vietnam service medal and the Vietnam Campaign medal for his dedicated service to his country. His commitment to duty and his strong sense of responsibility instilled values in his family that will be carried over for generations.
William had a zest for life that was infectious. He found joy in spending time with friends and his wife Kathy at the lake, including camping, fishing and taking the boat out with his best friend Carl creating lasting memories filled with laughter and camaraderie. His love for nature and the outdoors was matched only by the love of his pets Nitro, Fluffy, Boots, and Misty, who brought him much happiness throughout his life.
The family invites friends and loved ones to gather at 137 N. 8th St. on July 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. to celebrate William’s remarkable life and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in honor of William’s memory.
William Varnadore’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of this family and friends, a testament to a life lived with love, laughter and unyielding strength. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
James "Jim" Lee Farney
James "Jim" Lee Farney, 82, of Salina, Kansas, passed into his eternal home on Friday, July 18, 2025. He was born on December 8, 1942 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Harvey and Viola (Kleck) Farney.
Jim was raised to love and serve the Lord and attended, with his family, the Sterling Mennonite Church. He accepted the Lord as his Savior at a revival meeting as a youth. He served faithfully on boards and committees in whatever church he was attending, and was a current member of First Covenant Church, Salina.
Jim attended Union 5 Grade School, rural Sterling and Nickerson High School, graduating in 1960. He graduated from Sterling College in 1964 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, and Emporia State University with a Master’s Degree in Physical Education in 1968. He taught school and coached for 15 years at various Kansas schools: North Reno, Hutchinson; Alma; Towanda; and Leon.
He loved sports, especially basketball and tennis, and played on the school teams in high school and college. His position as guard proved him to be a feisty player on the basketball court. After retirement, he enjoyed attending Kansas Wesleyan basketball and volleyball games. When he wasn’t playing on the court, he enjoyed watching any sport that was on television.
He married Donna Mehl in 1964. Two children, Jeffrey James and Darcy Lynn, were adopted into this union. He married LaVonne Anderson in 1983 and she survives.
In 1989, Jim was hired as the fifth employee at Kejr Engineering (now Geoprobe), Salina, working there for 21 years until his retirement in 2010.
He was raised on a farm and worked alongside his dad and brother (and uncles/cousins) with livestock and in the field. That love of farming continued throughout his lifetime.
Jim received the Gift of Extended Life on November 9, 2016 when he had a liver transplant. He was 73 at that time, and his donor was 80 years old! What an incredible gift!
Jim is survived by LaVonne, his wife of 42 years; his daughter Darcy (Doug Krier), Beloit; granddaughters Molly, Lawrence; and Joslynn, Beloit; brother, Robert Farney, Hutchinson, KS; sisters Donna Broadus, Hutchinson, KS, and Shirley Marlow, Aurora, CO; brother-in law Leland Anderson (Patsy), DeLand FL, nieces Diane Thompson (Gary), Gayle Fehr (Rick), Janet Marlow, Keva Farney, Debra Lemons (Tim), and Wendy Anderson, and nephews Jack Farney (Kay), Mark Broadus (Nancy Dye), and David Marlow (Nancy).
He was preceded in death by his son Jeff in 2023, his parents, nephew Tyler Farney, brothers-in-law Jerry Broadus, Robert Marlow, and sister-in-law Lavonne Farney.
Visitation will be Thursday July 24, 4-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. at 137 N. 8th St., Salina. The burial will be Friday July 25, 9:30 a.m. at Mission Hill Cemetery, Rural Smolan followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at First Covenant Church, Salina. Pastor Tyler Henoch officiating. Luncheon will follow the memorial service.
Charles Burch
Charles Burch of Salina passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends on July 21, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on April 10, 1938, to George Edward Burch and Wilma Allene (Webster) Burch in McPherson, Kansas.
Charles attended school at Bavaria High School, graduating in 1956. The family then moved to Smolan, Kansas, where Charles was instrumental in raising his 5 younger siblings while their parents worked. For most of his life he worked for Duffens Optical producing eyeglasses. Later in life he worked as an auction helper for Norm Miller Auctions, than for Eric Blomquist Auction & Appraisals.
In April 1982 he met and began a life with Randal Dennis Bunker. They married on June 13, 2014, in Manning Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Gerald Burch, his sister, Dawn Merriman, his father-in-law, Dennis Bunker, and his truest of friends, Keith Taylor.
Charles is survived by his husband, Randal Dennis Bunker, brothers, Doug (Millie) Burch, Ovilla, Texas, Gilbert (Judy) Burch, San Antonio, Texas, Timothy (Elaine) Burch, Salina, Kansas, Sisters, Avereil (Charlie) Boyer, Assaria, Kansas, Billie Joy Waggoner, McPherson, Kansas, his brother-in-law Don Merriman, Salina, Kansas, Carolyn Wright, a good friend and mother of his two daughters, Amanda, (Duane) Cain, with their two children and two grandchildren, Erin Burch Keller, and her child, his mother-in-law, Maureen K. Bunker, Manning, Iowa, sister-in-law, Krystal (Randall) Pickering, Barnard, Kansas, brother-in-law, Ron (Kristine) Bunker, Aspinwall, Iowa, Robin (Jennifer) Bunker, Manning, Iowa, Charles loved and was loved by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and to those special friends who always showed up, Eric Blomquist, Steve Britt & David Kueter, Larry Bunker & Gary Martins, Mike Gorrell & Steve Henoch, Heather Bunker, Wesley Greenwood and Greg Daily.
His body was cremated and there will be no visitation or service. Interment will be in the Wilson City Cemetery, with his husband, at a later date. Cards and memorials may be sent to: The Charles Burch Family, 825 W South St., Salina Kansas 67401-4051.
Marvin Joseph “Lefty” Pfeifer
Marvin Joseph “Lefty” Pfeifer, 94, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
Born in Hays, Kansas, on July 20, 1931, Marvin was the son of Mary Seib Pfeifer and Frank Pfeifer.
Marvin spent over two decades working at Western Auto, where he was known for his dedication and friendly spirit.
Marvin found joy in the simple pleasures of life—fishing trips with his children, weekend garage sales with his beloved wife Carole, and sharing stories with anyone who would listen. He was rarely seen without a pocket full of strawberry candy, always ready to offer a sweet treat and a smile.
He is survived by his son, Todd Pfeifer (Tresa) of Salina, Kansas; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carole Pfeifer; his daughter, Joannie Plunkett; brothers George, Robert “Dudley,” Alfred “Al,” Francis Jr., and Eugene; and sisters Bernice Rhea and Velma Dreiling.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has been chosen. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Salina, Kansas.
The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Interim Hospice.
