Michael Stuart Varnell, beloved father, son, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the age of 69, in Slidell, Louisiana.  He was born Friday, August 20, 1954, in Winnfield, Louisiana. Michael will be remembered for his love of fishing and hunting as well as spending time with those that he loved.   He was quite the story teller and enjoyed sharing memories that were made with family and friends.  He was a heavy equipment operator and cherished the friendships that he made with fellow truck drivers through the years.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Mack Varnell.

He is survived by his loving mother, Joyce Belgard Varnell, and leaves behind a legacy of love and memories in the hearts of his survivors: Son - Steven Varnell (Lacy); Daughter - Tara Gates (Wesley); Sister - Karen Varnell Roller; Grandchildren - Adam and Katherine; Nephew - Clayton Roller (Miranda).  Extended family includes Deborah Gerchow, Dusty Gerchow (Sabrina), Madeline G. Onellion, Breelyn, and Beaux, Victoria Gerchow, and Blaire; and Dawn Southall (William), Scott, Erin, Allie, and Luke.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and bid farewell during the visitation and wake services to be held at Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield, Louisiana. The visitation will take place on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 9:00 AM to service time.

The funeral service honoring Michael's life will also be held at Southern Funeral Home on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Bruce Weatherford and Rev. Dustin Johnson officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Bolton - Teagle Cemetery.

Wally Belgard, Eddie Johns, Thomas Ray Berry, Stanley James, Wesley Gates and Dusty Gerchow will serve the family as pallbearers.  Clayton Roller, Mike McQueen, Toby Edwards will serve as an honorary pallbearers

Expressions of sympathy and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting www.southernfuneralhome.com, where memories and tributes can be posted to celebrate the life of Michael Stuart Varnell. He will forever be remembered and dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.