Charles Varnell Burkhart
1939-2024
Charles Varnell Burkhart passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2024, with his devoted wife, Kathy, by his side.
Born on January 8, 1939, in Berkeley Springs to his loving parents, Georgia (McCoy) and Chuck Burkhart, Varnell spent most of his life in his cherished hometown.
He was a life-long member of Highland Church.
In 1956, Varnell graduated from Berkeley Springs High School. He pursued a dual passion for learning and athletics, earning his Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Physical Education from Shepherd College in 1961, followed by a Master’s in Mathematics Education from West Virginia University in 1969.
Varnell returned to Berkeley Springs High School in 1961 to begin his teaching career. There, he shared his love for mathematics and inspired young athletes as the head coach of the boys basketball team and an assistant football coach. He was a lifelong supporter of Berkeley Springs sports and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. He went on to teach in Maryland, and retired from teaching after dedicating 36 years to shaping young minds. Even after retiring, Varnell remained committed to education, returning to Morgan County to develop an internship program that provided opportunities for students to gain real-world experience while still in school.
Outside of his professional life, Varnell found joy in many hobbies. An avid gardener and skilled woodworker, he took pride in creating and cultivating. He also enjoyed the simple pleasure of reading the newspaper cover to cover each day, staying informed on everything from current events to sports. His love for travel was evident not only in the trips he took but also in the planning. He devoted hours poring over maps and brochures to ensure every journey was an adventure. Varnell was a people person in the truest sense; he never met a stranger. He had an incredible gift for connecting with individuals from all walks of life. Always ready for a good time, his warmth, humor, and curiosity about the world endeared him to everyone he met.
Varnell will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, both in and out of the classroom.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Kathy Mason Burkhart; his daughter Vonnie Burkhart; his son Kelley Rankin (Jennifer); his granddaughters Lexi Visotcky (Rich) and Taylor Rankin; his grandson Kolin Rankin; his great-grandson Franklin Visotcky; and a host of dear friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. Pastor Kenny Mason officiated. Burial was in Highland Cemetery. The family received friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Varnell’s memory can be made to Berkeley Springs High School Boys Basketball, Berkeley Springs High School, ℅ Coach Chad Brinegar, 149 Concord Ave., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 or to Berkeley Springs High School Girls Basketball, Berkeley Springs High School, ℅ Coach Dale McCumbee, 149 Concord Ave., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
