Kaye Wilson Varnado, 85, a resident of Franklinton, died peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017.
Kaye, a U.S. Army veteran was born in Canton, Mo., on Oct. 13, 1932. He grew up in Franklinton and played basketball and baseball at Franklinton High School. A 1954 graduate of Southeastern Louisiana College, Kaye worked most of his career at Crown Zellerbach/Gaylord in Bogalusa. Known as “Red” in the LHSAA, Kaye refereed and umpired football, basketball, baseball and softball for over 35 years.

He is survived by: wife of 58 years, Jane Fournet Varnado of Franklinton; three children, Koni (Dwight) Benoit of Evangeline, Karol (David) King of Robert, and George (Kay Kay) Varnado of Bogalusa; seven grandchildren and spouses, Jacob Haire, Danielle (Jason) Richard, David Benoit, Cody King, Kayla (Thomas) Ostarly, Madeline Varnado and Wilson Varnado; five great-grandchildren, Gabby, Harper, Annabelle, Kaylin and Tom.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Washington and Reita Wilson Varnado; a brother, Kerrin Varnado; and brother-in-law, Ronald Jenkins.

Kaye’s life was celebrated with a visitation from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at Holy Family Catholic Church. A mass was held at 11 a.m., with Father Richard Day officiating. Interment followed at Ellis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests your prayers and Mass requests at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1220 14th Ave., Franklinton, LA 70438.