Alvin David Varnado, 87, of Lake Charles, died Thursday, Apr. 11, 2019, at his Groves, Texas residence.
He was born in Minden; graduated from DeQuincy High School and graduated from Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minn. He pastored churches in Denham Springs, Vivian, and Haynesville and in Groves, Texas, and moved to Lake Charles 45 years ago. He managed the Lake Charles City Hall building for 33 years under several mayors.
He was a longtime member of Eastwood Pentecostal Church, where he was over the Prayer Ministry and maintenance. For several years, he and his wife, Thyra cooked daily meals for the church camp grounds in Alexandria, feeding over a thousand people per day.
Mr. Varnado is survived by his wife, Thyra F. Varnado; children, Becky Fender and husband Steve of San Antonio, Texas, Barbara Keller and husband Gary of Columbus, Ohio, David Edwards Varnado of San Antonio, Texas, Phyllis Trahan and husband Ronald of Groves, Texas, Bryan Freeman of Ragley, Gaylene Holt and husband Mark of Groves, Texas, and Darren Freeman and wife Jana of Groves, Texas; sister, Dr. Janet Trout of Dover, Del.; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Dennis and Bessie Grace Varnado; and four sisters.
His funeral service was held Monday, Apr. 15, at Eastwood Pentecostal Church. Revs. Aaron Lopez and Jim Vanover officiated. Burial followed in New Ritchie Cemetery in Moss Bluff under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.
