Obituary of Lawrence Varela Jr.

Lawrence “Larry” Varela, Jr. fell asleep in death Monday, September 12, 2022, from end stage heart failure. Larry was born in Fresno, California, but called Arizona home since 1971. He worked in many fields during his lifetime, starting in construction at the young age of 14, working for his dad. He went on to work for the local cable company, where he was “Larry the Cable Guy”, and drove a school bus for Mesa and Scottsdale School Districts. At the time of his death, Larry was a full-time uber driver, having completed 22,000+ rides.

In April of 1987, Larry met his “Sweetie Pie” and six months later, on October 10^th, married her.  He became her “Hunka Man” and they would celebrate 35 years together this year.

Larry is survived by his wife, Anita (Dukes), son Oliver, brothers Daniel Leonard Calderon and Mark Varela (Tomaro), sisters Yolanda Ramirez (Rocky) and Julia Gonzalez (Juan), along with several nieces and nephews in California, Arizona and Georgia. Larry and Anita also had two “Bonus” children, Rikie Bailey and Jenna Heideman, and a beautiful “Bonus” grandson, Ezra Bailey. He is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Varela, Sr., mother, Frances Varela (Abril) and sister Rachel Varela.

Larry was a loving husband, devoted father and a loyal friend. He could chat with anyone and knew a little bit about everything. He was a very patient man who gave great hugs and loved to sing. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.