Forrest Robert Varney, 17, of Ozark, passed away Feb. 15, 2012. He was born Aug. 2, 1994, in Springfield, the son of Steven and Michelle Varney Ferrell.
Forrest was a junior at Spokane High School where he was on the basketball team. He attended Spokane Baptist Church. Forrest, loved by many for his smile and his sincerity, truly lived and loved life in each day. He shared great humor and heart, embracing all kinds of people. He liked to fish and hunt, street rods and old cars, racing and began swimming like a fish near as early as he learned to walk. Forrest adored his two older sisters and was always prepared to be their fearless protector. Forrest, in ROTC, had a dream to join the Army.
Survivors include: His mother, Michelle Ferrell and husband Jack, Ozark; his father, Steve Varney, Highlandville; two sisters, Stevie Varney and Paige Varney, both of Ozark; paternal grandparents, Robert and Beverly Varney, Ozark; paternal great grandmother, Mae Varney, Florida; maternal grandmother, Carol Long, Ozark; his aunts and uncles, Bill and Tena Varney, Greg and Debbie Varney, Dawn and Kris Kramer, and Don Jr. and Lorrie Long, all of Topeka, Kan.; his fiancée Reanna Winslow; and many cousins.
Forrest was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Don Long, Sr.
A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in Spokane High School, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Randy Harwood and Erica Baxter officiating. Burial will follow in Highlandville Cemetery. Viewing will be held from 12:3 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Spokane High School immediately before the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Forrest Varney Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Spokane School, 167 Kentling Ave., Highlandville, 65669.
