YARNELL, Varrel Verle (Pete) (Reverend), Jr.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 07/21/2006 Reverend Varrel Verle "Pete" Yarnell, Jr., 52, went to be with the Lord July 12, 2006 in Pinetop-Lakeside after a four-year battle with cancer. "May it be known that he "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith". (2 Tim. 4:7-8) Pete was born Nov. 11, 1953 to Varrel Verle "Shorty" Yarnell and Joyce Elaine (Sunderman) in Calexico, Calif. He spent his childhood in El Centro, Calif. and graduated from Central Union High School in 1971. He became a licensed minister at Imperial First Southern Baptist Church in 1972. He also went to work as an electrician for U.S. Gypsum in Plaster City, Calif., eventually becoming an IBEW electrician. These experiences led him to a career as a self-employed electrical contractor and as a minister of the Gospel. In May of 1975, Pete married his soul mate, Susan Benson of Imperial, Calif. They made El Centro their home until 1979 when they relocated to Alpine, Calif. There, Pete successfully established Advance Electrical and Mechanical, and, along with Susie, they raised their three children. He became the associate pastor of Ocotillo Bible Church in 1998. Pete relocated his business and family to Pinetop in 2001. He spent his childhood fishing the local lakes and streams of the White Mountains and he wished to semi-retire upon his arrival in Pinetop. Instead, his electrical business prospered and he began serving as the senior pastor of Living Water Baptist Church. His greatest achievements were living his life with his best friend Susie, raising three children, successfully establishing his electrical business, and being a working ambassador for Jesus Christ. He will be remembered as a man of integrity and compassion who stood by his word and made a difference in each life he encountered. Pete is survived by his wife of 31 years, Susan Benson; his children Amanda (Fred) Maupin, Steve Yarnell, and Petey Yarnell; three grandchildren, Madeline, Elizabeth, and Timothy Maupin all of Pinetop; brothers Gordon (Susan) Yarnell of Imperial, Calif., Paul (Shirley) Yarnell of El Cajon, Calif., and his brother Pat's wife, Shirley of Livermore, Calif.; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother, Patrick Allen Yarnell. Services were held Thursday, July 20 at Imperial First Southern Baptist Church, Imperial, Calif. A memorial service will be held at 6 pm July 24 at Calvary Chapel of the White Mountains in Lakeside. Contributions may be made to a college fund that has been established at Compass Bank in Pinetop, AZ (928-367-4177) for their son Petey Yarnell. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign our online guest book, we invite you to visit our website at www.owensmortuary.com