Wednesday Afternoon

Kermit Decel Varnado
(June 14, 1920 – December 10, 2008)
Kermit Decel Varnado of Amite passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. He was born on June 14, 1920 in Kentwood to Arie Maude Dykes Varnado and Mannie Mansfield Varnado. He was the youngest of 7 children. He retired from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Louisiana State Penitentiary-Angola after 34 years of service. During his tenure he was the Farm Director in charge of all State Prison Farms. He was also one of the founding fathers of the Angola Prison Rodeo. Upon his retirement he raised Brahma cattle, was a bus driver for the Mater Dolorosa Catholic Elementary School, and later was employed by Hood Motor Co. in Amite. He was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Husser and the Knights of Columbus, Mater Dolorosa Council in Independence. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Hazel Sharp Varnado and son, Gary Ray Varnado. He is survived by his son, Sidney E. Varnado, grandson, Anthony “Tony” Varnado and his wife, Donna and one granddaughter, Sydney “Shea” Varnado. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Callie Elisabeth and Wm. Hunter Varnado. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Friday. Religious Services at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Husser, at 11 a.m. Friday. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser.