GILLETTE -- A memorial service for Gillette resident Philip Rex "Phil" Varner, 77, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at Family Life Church in Gillette by Pastor Marty Crump.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home of Gillette and inurnment will be in the Mount Pisgah Cemetery columbarium.

He died Nov. 8, 2005, at his home, of cancer.

Born July 14, 1928, in Powersville, Mo., he was the son of Hollis (Roberts) and Beecher Varner; and, at age 2, lost his father in a logging accident. Shortly afterward, he and his mother moved to Sheridan, where he was raised and educated.

Following his high-school graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy and served during World War II.

In 1949, he married Jeanine Halbert in Sheridan.

He worked for Boyd's Super Market in Sheridan and, in 1952, partnered with Roy Carlson to open Boyd's Super Foods in Gillette and Sundance. The family lived in Gillette.

He retired in 1980.

He was a past president of Gillette Area Chamber of Commerce; served on the Campbell County School Board; and was an active member of the Shrine and Masons. During retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife; spending weekends at the lake with his children; and following his children's and grandchildren's activities.

Survivors include three children, Teri Hunter and her husband of Gillette and Buz Varner and Debbie DiMichele of Bozeman, Mont.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and the couple's beloved dog, Heidi.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years and his parents.

Memorials may be made to Cancer Care of Campbell County Health Care Foundation, in care of Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home, 210 W. Fifth St., Gillette, WY 82716.