JAMES ELMER VARNADORE
James Elmer Varnadore, 89, went to be with the Lord on June 29, 2026.
Born on March 22, 1937, to William Henry Varnadore and Etta Mae Cain Varnadore, Elmer lived a life devoted to faith, family, and service. A faithful servant of Christ, he was ordained into the ministry on January 17, 1965, and faithfully served as a minister for 60 years. He was instrumental in starting and helping build the church where he faithfully preached, New Fellowship Baptist Church.
Elmer was a loving and devoted husband of 42 years to his wife, Anita, and a dedicated family man whose kindness and steady faith touched all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Eldon Cain, Curtis Varnadore, and Carlton Varnadore; his sister, Willie Mae Varnadore Yarbrough; and his beloved daughter, Doris Jean Varnadore Gruber.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Anita; one daughter, Willie Dean (Mike) Thomas of Buffalo; two stepdaughters, Sharon (Juergen) Struwe and Faye (Farlan) Peters, both of Elizabethtown; and one stepson, James R. Best II of Hodgenville. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Jessica (Scott) Coffman, Chris (Teddi) Peters, Michael (Trina) Hobbs, Starr (Justin) White, Ashley (Jeremy) Scott, Jerred (Julie) Struwe, Jaron Thomas, Kelly Gruber, and Sean Gruber.
Additionally, he is survived by two brothers, Talmadge (Masha) Varnadore of Georgia and Billy (Alice) Varnadore of Florida.
Elmer was a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Brewton-Parker College, and Campbellsville College. He also served his community through his work with Hardin County Schools, where he retired as Director of Transportation.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at New Fellowship Baptist Church, 5811 N. Dixie Hwy., Elizabethtown, KY 42701.
Funeral services will be held at the church on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Manakee Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Elmer’s life was a testimony of faith, service, and love. Though he has gone home to be with the Lord, his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Condolences may be expressed on-line at www.manakeefuneralhome.com.
