Lawrence Bedo Varnado

Lawrence Bedo Varnado was born to Lawrence “Sonny” Bedo Varnado, Sr. and Theasel Leona Varnado on March 10, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up with his brother Joseph “Joe” and sister LaVerne “Vern” on 46th and St. Lawrence, in Chicago. He attended Forestville Elementary School and later graduated from DuSable High School in 1959. In high school, Larry was involved in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and was a member of the Prom Court. He married his high school sweetheart Venita Glover in July of 1961 and had three children, Lawrence, Robbin, and Kenya.

In 1969, Larry met now wife Shirley, while working at Kemper Insurance in Information Technology. They moved from Chicago to West Covina in 1976. In 1980, together they welcomed a daughter, Erin. On April 17, 1982, Larry and Shirley married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by loved ones.

In 1983, Larry went back to school to enrich his skills and understanding in Information Technology. He continued working in the industry until his Retirement in 2002 from Household Financial.

In 1988, the family moved to Claremont. The years spent there are known to be the best years of their life. Larry and Shirley made numerous friends and connections through Erin’s many school and sports activities. From coaching softball to grilling at drill team bbqs, Larry was supportive and active. He is best remembered as being everyone’s Dad.

Throughout the years, his pride and joy was witnessing his children and grandchildren excel in education and receive their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees respectively. He was the biggest cheerleader in the stands as they would receive their degrees. He continued to be proud and brag about their many accomplishments and achievements.

In 2002, Larry and Shirley relocated to Hemet, CA. To say he loved Hemet and their community would be an understatement. Larry relished in his retirement and participated in Bocce, Shuffleboard, Bid Whist, and any other thing that would connect him to his friends and neighbors. He enjoyed driving his golf cart and decorating it for different holidays.

Larry enjoyed life and entertaining. His favorite thing was to host summer bbqs. He would cook and prepare items days in advance. Not only did he enjoy it, but family and friends did as well. He was dedicated to staying connected with relatives, school friends, work friends, and anyone he ever met. Larry was also at the forefront for acceptance of all types of people. No matter their race, religion, sexual orientation or political views, he had an open mind. His greatest gifts were that he imparted his wisdom on anyone that would listen. He cared deeply for people that were in his circle and showed his love through his giving heart.

Larry lived with the challenges of Type I Diabetes for 52 years. On Saturday, May 13, 2023, Larry took his final breath. He passed away in his sleep at their home in Hemet.

He is survived by his adoring wife Shirley of Hemet, son Lawrence (Adonna) of Round Rock, TX, daughter Robbin (Larry) of Cross Roads, TX, daughter Kenya (Terrance) of Round Rock, TX, and daughter Erin (Chad) of North Tustin. Granddaughter Aja of Austin, TX, grandson Javan (Diana) and great-grandson, Jayce of Irvington, New Jersey, grandson Lawrence II “Allen” (Elana) of Houston, TX, granddaughter Kamryn of Round Rock, TX, granddaughter Tristen of Austin, TX, grandson Parker of Roanoke, VA, grandson Omari of Round Rock, TX and grandson Kai of North Tustin. Sisters LaVerne “Vern” of Hutto, TX, Rugena (James) of Chicago and brother Eugene (Nadine) of Chicago. Brother in-law Donny (Rachel) of Stephenson, MI, sister in-law Adelaide “Pat” of Villa Park, IL, sister in-law Linda (Ron) of Hemet, CA, sister in-law Carol of Stephenson, MI, and sister in-law Sandra “Sandy” (Ken “Kenny”) of Daggett, MI. The numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, those he considered his children, his god-children, and all that were loved and nurtured by him.