One of Wyoming's greatest heroes passed away Sunday at the age of 101. Clarence Varos was a Pearl Harbor survivor, WWII veteran, and longtime storekeeper for the Union Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne.

Varos was born and raised in Taos, N.M. He joined the Navy after high school and later married his wife of 68 years, Anita. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Varos served as a gunner on the U.S.S. Hyde, which transported troops throughout the Pacific theater.

After the war, Clarence and Anita settled in Cheyenne, where he spent the next 30 years working for Union Pacific. Varos remained active in several veteran's organizations, including American Legion Post #6, AmVets, and VFW #4343. He was also a longtime member of the G.I. Forum and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

"I want to thank Mr. Varos for all he has contributed to our great nation and state," Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney said in a declaration honoring his 100th birthday in 2017. "His sacrifice, bravery, and grit are an example to us all."

Cheney and Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr were among several local dignitaries who attended Varos' 100th birthday party. Orr remembered him in a Facebook post yesterday.

"He was sharp, engaging, and possessed a wonderful sense of humor," Mayor Orr said. "Godspeed, Mr. Varos, and God bless the Varos family."

Clarence Varos will be laid to rest Monday, August 5th at the Olivet Cemetery. Prior to his burial, a celebration of his extraordinary life will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m. The Varos family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph's Food Pantry.

 

More From Laramie Live