Samuel Lee Varney

Samuel Lee "Sam" Varney, 67 years old, from Enterprise, KS, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 3rd at Salina Regional Hospital. Dedicated husband to Glenna, dad to Tina, Jesse and Samuel, and precious "Papa" to Austin and Tatum. He was born in Williamson, WV to Barbara and Robert Lee Varney. He was raised in Knox Creek, KY with his father and three aunts. Later, Sam and his little brother Larry went to live with his mother, and step-dad Steve, in Lorain, Ohio. When Sam turned 18, he joined the U.S. Army, serving as an auto mechanic and ordnanceman (weapons specialists). It was during this time that he was stationed in Ft. Riley, KS. After three years of active duty, he then served in the National Guard for 10 years. In the late 70's and early 80's, Sam worked as an auto mechanic at both Ford and Chevrolet car dealerships in Junction City, KS. In the mid 80's and 90's he worked on Ft. Riley at the Building 8100, and also for Bud's Wrecker from time to time. In 1989, he was introduced to his wife by mutual friends. Sam and Glenna married on October 7th of that year. It was then that Sam stepped up to help raise Glenn's two daughters, Tina and Jesse, before welcoming his only son Samuel. In the mid 90's, he and his wife purchased a small general store in Enterprise, KS. The building also hosted weekend consignment actions as well. Ever the entrepreneur, Sam would load-up snacks from his general store to sell during break time at 8100 (where he was affectionately referred to as "Sam the snack man"). In the early 2000's he managed L & M Wheel Alignment on 10th Street in Junction City, KS, until it was torn down for development by the city. Before retirement, Sam worked for Camber Corporation, contracted by the government for gun repairs. While working there, he traveled to many different states within the continental U.S., as well as Hawaii (which he cherished) and Germany (which he was not a fan of, due to the lack of iced tea and A/C). He loved to travel and try the local cuisine. When health concerns sent him into an early retirement, he was passionate about gardening (with quite the green-thumb) and also raised what he lovingly referred to as "therapy" chickens, which he doted on. In healthier times, he was fond of fishing for walleye at Milford lake. He also made a mean breakfast and loved black coffee. He took great pleasure in playing poker online or in-person and loved to go gambling. He also delighted in good ol' country music, almost anything with a steel guitar - and old western movies and TV shows. He loved a bargain, going to auctions and garage sales - fixing things up to be "good as brand-new" and finding the value in many things that "might be worth money someday." He was a passionate collector of: guns, coins, automobiles and tractors (just to name a few). An incredibly gifted auto mechanic, he loved anything with an engine and there was nothing he couldn't fix. He once purchased a rollover vehicle from a salvage auction, that he restored to drive order - in fact, it is still in use today. At one time in the late 80's, he was 1 of 4 mechanics, in the U.S., certified to work on every aspect of the vehicle. He absolutely loved to tinker, he could fix, or rig up anything! Even as his physical health began to fail, he once diagnosed and dictated how to fix a car by sound alone. Sam may have been a Kansan for over 40 years, but he never forgot his West Virginia & Kentucky roots. (a descendant of the Hatfields, as in Hatfields vs McCoys). He told amazing stories of his "hill folk" upbringing - with no running water or electricity, having to use a rope tied to the porch to climb up the mountain, if the creek next to the house flooded. He even attended a one room school house until second grade. Always a bit ornery, with a twinkle in his eye or a snicker of laughter. Those tough, and patient enough to see through his rough exterior, were rewarded with a glimpse of the kind, funny person that he truly was - a teddy bear of a man, that would do anything to provide for his family or help a friend in need. He will be incredibly missed by those who loved and knew him well. Preceded in death by his parents, Step-dad Steve, older brother Ken Varney, nephew Dean Varney, and several other family members and friends. Survived by his loving wife Glenna, of the home. Beloved son Samuel and his grand-daughter Tatum, who was one of the greatest joys of his life! Also, his favorite grand-dog Roxy. As well as, his two step-daughter's and their families. His younger brother Larry and their Aunt Sally from WV. The family has chosen cremation and a private burial. Please, share your memories of Sam here. HIs family would love to hear any fun stories you may have of him. Other condolences may be sent to: P.O. Box 27 Enterprise, KS 67441.