Robert James Varney (Bob) was born on December 12, 1958, in Dearborn, Michigan, to his parents Robert Charles and Amelia Ann. He had a wonderful childhood there with his siblings, enjoying the usual winter and summer sports such a setting had to offer. He also lived and thrived in San Diego, CA and Phoenix, AZ as the family followed his father wherever the best opportunities would take them. All during Bob's childhood, the family attended the Catholic church; the children were raised with the principals of love, faith, ethics.

The family moved to Houston, TX, in the late seventies, where Robert graduated from Stratford High School. Once their home was built in Klein, the Varneys moved once again and stayed put for a number of years. Bob attended what was then known as Southwest Texas State, after which he followed in the footsteps of his father and began his career in HVAC at Atlas Air Conditioning. In the professional world, he became known as "Robert" Varney, to distinguish himself from his father, "Bob". But at home, he was known as Bob…sometimes, in jest, Bobby Jim.

Bob was an excellent employee and provider to his family. He was hard-working, loyal, and well-liked by everyone he met. As a young man, he decided to spread his wings and try his hand in air movement and refrigeration sales and management in addition to returning to HVAC. He enjoyed an interesting career, working for TW Smith, Ramsey & Company, Mechanical Reps, AccuVent Air, Custom Mechanical, and C-AIR-S Mechanical, where he spent the last several years of his life.

Bob met Sheree at Atlas Air Conditioning, where he endeared himself to her by inviting her to accompany him to a party, when, suddenly, the old Bankers Box upon which he was sitting collapsed and he sat in the ruins, with a sheepish grin, and said, "I feel like a little kid.". Sheree thought he was adorable, and decided right there he was the one for her. They enjoyed two years together of love and laughter before being married in a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by family and friends. Bob never lost his boyish charm, and delighted in teasing Sheree constantly, even using his tactics to get her to bring food to his hospital bed that may or may not have been on his restricted eating plan. Last year, Bob and Sheree celebrated forty years of marriage.

Five years after they were married, the Varneys were blessed with the births of two beautiful children. Bob was a wonderful father that adored and respected Melissa and Bobby, always putting them first in his life. His children now have many fond memories growing up with him camping with Indian Guides and Princesses, being taken hunting and on family vacations, and of his being involved in their everyday lives and school activities. They have inherited his laidback nature, love for his fellow man, his work ethic, and his positive attitude.

Even as great a joy as Bob found in his children, the birth of his grandson, Emmett, brought happiness unimagined. He has been the quintessential Pawpaw, instrumental in guiding Emmett and reflecting the love only a Pawpaw can give to his Punkin. They have enjoyed a priceless, fun-loving relationship Emmett can always treasure.

Hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening were Bob's main recreational pursuits. He liked going to the beach to shell and just commune with Mother Nature. During hunting trips with his friends, he loved combing the area for petrified wood and other of God's treasures. When home, one could find Bob in the backyard basking in the sun of the tropical setting he had created, or out front visiting with his neighbors. Whichever he chose, he always would listen to the music he streamed from his phone. He enjoyed all types of music, from rock and roll to country, but his favorites were southern rock and Texas red dirt, especially Whiskey Myers.

Those of us left behind already miss our Hubby, Dad, Daddy, PawPaw, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin. Bob is survived by his wife Sheree Lynn Gaskill Varney, daughter Melissa Paige Barnes (neé Varney), son Robert James Varney II (Bobby), daughter-in-law Melissa Silva, grandson Emmett Joshua Barnes, mother Amy Swanson, brother Scott Varney and Sheri Renee, brother Jeffrey Varney and Laura, sister Debra Malkiewicz and Ray, sister Shannon Hegerfeld and Chris; and by Sheree's siblings: brother Brad and Cindy, sister Stephanie and Jimmy, brother Bryan and Noelle.

He was surely greeted at the pearly gates by his father, his stepfather Bill, his brother Steven, his niece Amanda, his in-laws Nathan and Bonnie Gaskill, his Gramma Schmick, and all the wonderful relatives and friends that went before him.

Bob did not wish for us to be sad upon losing him, but of course this wish has been impossible to fulfill. However, we can honor his other wish by celebrating his life after the internment. Please join us for the social to be held, location to be announced at the memorial park.