View Video Tribute William L. Varner, 96, of Keokuk, IA, died Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Lexington Square in Keokuk, IA. He was born on May 31, 1913 in Keokuk, IA, the son of James and Margaret Long Varner. He was first married to Esther Cochenour Nye in 1935. On August 1, 1953, William was united in marriage to Florence Stacy Handyside in Batesville, AR. She preceded him in death on August 12, 1994. William had been employed at Keokuk Steel Castings for thirty five years, retiring in 1975. Following his retirement he worked at the Keokuk Hy-Vee as a greeter for eight years until his 90th birthday. He was a member of the Family Worship Center in Keokuk. He enjoyed traveling and playing bingo. William was a loving father and grandfather and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He is survived by three daughters, Kathleen Miller of St. Joseph, MO, Elaine Brownlee and her husband Ed of Warsaw, IL and Blanche Knutdson and her husband Ron of Pueblo West, CO, three step-sons, Dwight Handyside and his wife Pat of Warsaw, IL, Richard Handyside and his wife Connie of Wayland, MO and Mark Handyside of Hamilton, IL, one son-in-law, Jack Mortimer of Keokuk, twenty-one grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Sharon Mortimer, one son, Larry Varner, two step-sons, Duane and Myron Handyside, four sisters, Helen, Grace, June and Neoma and a half-brother, Charles Varner. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m., Monday at the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Keokuk, IA with Reverend Edward Lee Brownlee officiating.