Forest Nathan "Red" Varn

Major (USMC Retired) Forest Nathan “Red” Varn, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 24, 2025, and is now resting with his Lord and Savior. He was known to his Marine Corps brothers and friends as Red and to his family he was always known as Nathan. He was a Methodist and had been a member of both Venice Nokomis Methodist Church and Grace Methodist Church.

Descending from Florida pioneer stock, he was born thirty miles northeast of Venice in Lily on October 6, 1931. His great grandfather’s sister, Caroline Varn Knight, was the wife of Jesse Knight, who were the original settlers of the Venice-Nokomis area.  

At nineteen, while living in Venice, he enlisted in the Marine Corps at the outbreak of the Korean War. In addition to serving in Korea he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam, retiring after 22 years of decorated, honorable service. He was what is known as a Mustang Marine. Mustang Marine Officers are prior enlisted Marines who rise through the ranks and are very highly respected by their fellow Marines.  About Marines, Ronald Reagan once said 'Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don't have that problem.' Nathan’s entire life was lived in a manner that made a difference. 

Semper Fidelis is the motto of every Marine. It is Latin for Always Faithful. “Semper Fi” holds a special place in the hearts of Marines and Nathan embodied that spirit in every sense. It’s an ever-present reminder of a Marine’s undying faithfulness to country, fellow Marines, and preparedness for future battlefields. Marines embrace “Semper Fidelis” by enduring adversity, maintaining an unbreakable bond with their comrades, and upholding the highest standards of honor and integrity. Nathan lived that motto to the end.  

Prior to departing for Korea, he married his sixteen-year-old sweetheart Lillian Frazier who remained the lifelong love of his life.  As Lillian was kissing him goodnight shortly before his passing, she told him “We’ve lived a good life together.”  And they did. 

He is survived by his wife Lillian, his daughter Deborah Zacovic (William), his son Earl Varn (Sharon), his grandson Nathan Varn (Sara), his granddaughters Whitney Varn and Kelly Zacovic (Greg) and great-grandchildren Emma and Ava Varn. He took great joy during his lifetime sharing his passion with his family for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Many fishing memories were shared during his last days that brought smiles to his face and joy to his heart. 

A viewing will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 from 11:00AM-11:30AM with the celebration of life service to immediately follow at Farley Funeral Home, located at 265 Nokomis Avenue, Venice, Fl. Interment will follow at 1:30 PM at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd. 72, Sarasota, Florida. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his honor to The Marine Corps Museum, an organization close to his heart. See, https://www.usmcmuseum.com/. To send a condolence or memory please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.