A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 13, 1930 in Vinton, LA and was 94 years of age. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of Korea and a retired Director for Louisiana Health and Human Resources. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ballard Varnado; daughter, Gretchen Simpson; 2 grandchildren, Micah and Sarabeth Simpson; brother, Glen Varnado; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Irma Warren Varnado, siblings, Norman Varnado, Ina Wheat, Fred Varnado, and Rosemary Yantis. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. The family would like to thank Robert Ricks for all of his help and support. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.