Paul Varela

Paul Varela 53 of Sparta, Tennessee (formally Merrillville, Indiana) passed away suddenly in Sparta, Tennessee on October 22, 2024. 

He was born in Gary, Indiana on August 12, 1971 to Jose and the late Trinity (Camarena) Varela. He grew up in Merrillville, Indiana and graduated from Merrillville High School Class of ‘91. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, Trinity (Camarena) Varela, brother Richard Varela, maternal grandparents, Manuel & Cirila Camarena Sr, paternal grandmother Marie Varela, uncle Manuel & Ernestina Camarena Jr, aunts; Emily & Ralph Duenas, Helen & Lou Martinez and special cousin Jimmy Duenas. Grandparent in laws Willard & Irene Perry and Harley and Nora Ragan Sr. Uncle in laws Harley & Donna Ragan Jr, Jerry Wilson. Brother in law John Lanny Nelson II.

He is survived by his loving children; Austin (Anna Torres) Ragan of Indiana, Alyssa (Dakotah Dalton) Varela of Kentucky and Aaron Varela of Tennessee. Precious grandchildren; Connor Carlson and Emilia Ragan. 

Father Jose Varela, brothers; Michael J Varela, Louis (Francesca) Varela, sister Elizabeth Varela. Niece Nicole (Jacob) Varela Zatorski, great nephew Gabriel Varela Zatorski and great niece Xochi Varela Zatorski, sister in law Joy Varela. Godparents Bob & Yolanda Santos. Best buddy that was like a brother Jon Escue.

Also surviving are mothers and father in law; Mary Ragan, Aaron & Shirley Ragan, brother in laws; James (Michelle) Ragan and daughter Kira Ragan, Jacob (Lindsey Matt) Nelson and boys; Gabriel, Luke and Waylon. Nephew John Lanny Nelson III. Former wife, Erica Ragan. Aunts and uncle in laws; Darold (Helen) Perry, Alene & John McGarrity, Bill & Darice Ragan, Phillip & Linda Ragan, Melva & Bob Hayes, Sylvia Wilson, Bobbie & Jeff Talley and Jannie and Bill Friedericks. Also a host of several cousins, friends and co-workers.

ARRANGEMENTS; 

Funeral services will be on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Thurman Funeral Home at 2:00PM. Burial will follow in the Old Zion Cemetery. Officiating will be his cousin Michael Weedman.

Family will receive friends Friday, October 25, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. until the time of service.

Pallbearers will be; Austin Ragan, Dakotah Dalton, Aaron Ragan, Michael Varela, Louis Varela, Jon Escue Jake Nelson , honorary pallbearers are Aaron Varela and Connor Carlson