Arthur John Vars Sr, 84, went to be with his Lord on Sept 22, 2009 in his home in Venice, FL. surrounded by his loving wife & daughter. He was born July 14, 1925 in Vernon, CT to Harold & Rose Tatro Vars.

He served as a Steward in the Merchant Marines during WWII on the SS Georgia, SS Gulfwing, SS Pan Amoco, and the SS Thomas F. Cunningham. He worked at General Dynamics Electric Boat for 13 yrs. and was a real estate broker in CT, but was best known in the area as the “singing painter” or “whistling painter” as he always sang hymns while he painted & wallpapered for his own business. He served as a volunteer for Amazing Grace Missions for over 10 years where he led many souls to the Lord at the FL State Fair every summer. His passion was telling people about Jesus!

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 12 years, Priscilla Dearborn Vars of Venice, FL; his son, James Vars of Colchester, CT; two daughters, Carole St. John & Bonnie (Craig) Giese both of Oakdale, CT; three sisters, Agnes Richard of Preston, CT, Rose Hofer of Leesburg, FL, and Doris Fries of Victorville, CA; 10 grandchildren: Dennis Main, Sherri-Lynn Rupe, Bethany Gregory, Hannah Hurst, Ruthie and Kenneth "Paul" Hvarre, Corey and Jeremy Vars, Pamela and William St. John; and 23 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Irene Shepherd Vars; his son, Arthur J. Jr; brothers, Edgar, Harold , & William; sisters, Violet Lamperelli, Ruth Maugle, & Nellie “Peggy” Saunders; and great grandson, Jeremiah Ponder.

A memorial service will be held 11 AM on Friday, Sept 25, 2009 at Calvary Bible Church. Military Honors will be presented at 2:30 PM at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

A memorial service will also be held to celebrate his life at Lakes Pond Baptist Church in Waterford, CT on Thursday Oct. 1, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to “Baptist Bible Academy” Art Vars Scholarship Fund, 1144 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT 06385.