TORRINGTON – On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Michael Edgar Varney loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at age 84.
Mike was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on May 14, 1938, to Edgar and Dorothy (Welte) Varney and grew up in Broken Bow, Nebraska. He graduated from Chadron State Teacher’s College in 1960, where he met his first wife, Mary (Lowry) Varney. The two were married December 28, 1959, and raised three children.
He began his teaching career in Torrington, in the fall of 1960 at Torrington High School, where he also coached basketball. This was the beginning of a lifelong career in education as a teacher and basketball coach. Mike coached and taught at North Platte Junior College and then returned to Eastern Wyoming College where he taught history and geography. As the Lancer basketball coach, Mike led the men’s basketball team to their first ever NJCAA Region IX Basketball Championship. Mike then became the Transportation Director for the Goshen County Unified School District from which he retired. Mike also served the city of Torrington for over 40 years as a councilman, as well as mayor.
After the death of his first wife, Mike married Joy (Wunder) Fuss in 1994. The two enjoyed many years of traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Mike had many interests and hobbies including trains and railroad memorabilia, as well as antique cars and fire trucks. He enjoyed officiating football and basketball at the high school and college levels for many decades and was inducted into the Wyoming Sports Official Association Hall of Fame. He also served on the Eastern Wyoming College Board of Trustees and the Goshen County Conservation District. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and a member of The Knights of Columbus.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, Ransom, brother, Tim, and his first wife, Mary.
He is survived by: his wife Joy Varney; his brother Matthew (Nancy) Varney; his children, Marc (Shiela )Varney, Cathy (Jeff )Marsh, Sheri (Jeff) Prince; his grandchildren, Erika (Cody) Shoop, Michael Matthew and Emily Varney, Britt (Brenna) Marsh, Blakeley (Nicholas) Lamp, Allison (Logan)Barker, Delaney, Brooklyn and Gannon Prince; his great grandchildren, Finley and McCafferty Marsh, Baylor and Beckham Lamp and Briar Barker. He is also survived by Joy’s children, Jeff (Lora) Fuss, Lori (Tom) Andrew; her grandchildren, Brennan and Nicole Fuss, Thomas (Dakota) Andrew and Callie Andrew.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023 at St. Rose Catholic Church in Torrington with Father Ray Moss officiating. Memorials may be given to the EWC Foundation, The Goshen County Library Foundation or Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Viewing and a Rosary will be held at St. Rose on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home. To send flowers, condolences or a memorial gift, please visit the Sympathy Store at www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
