Yaeko Varnell

Mimi was born on March 20, 1935, in Amami Oshima, Japan, to Tatsuhiro and Yoshikiku Shigeno. In 1960, she met the love of her life, Joe Varnell, and they married in 1966. Mimi left Japan and moved to Texas to start a new life with her husband. They were married for 48 wonderful years.

Mimi was primarily a homemaker, but she also worked at Airborne, Inc. for 15 years. She was a beloved lady in her neighborhood, known as the neighborhood mom and babysitter. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and her delicious spam fried rice and yakimandu.

She cherished her grandchildren and wholeheartedly supported their endeavors, including softball, baseball, football, soccer, wrestling, and academic achievements.

Bingo and slot machines were her favorite pastimes. Every weekend, she and our father could be found enjoying Bingo. She also had a passion for traveling to Las Vegas and Winstar to play the slots.

She is survived by her three daughters: Linda (Joe) Coppola, Brenda (Erik) Watson, and Diana (Todd) Hester. Her grandchildren: Lana (Eric), Joey, Stephen, Mady, Nathan, Matthew, Gabe, and Stone. Great grandchildren: Helena and Chailyn. Siblings: Ritsuko and Sizue, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She joins her parents, Tatsuhiro and Yoshikiku Shigeno, her husband, Joe Varnell, her infant son, Terry Joe Varnell, and her siblings, Izuo, Tatsuya, and Gisyun, in eternal rest.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home, in Killeen, Texas at 12:30 followed by burial at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, in Killeen, Texas.