Reverend Varence Janord Dupre, 67, of Sherman, Texas and formerly of De Leon, Texas, passed peacefully from this life into the loving presence of Jesus while surrounded by his devoted family on December 30, 2023. After a long and courageous battle with cancer his fight is finally over. He was born February 7, 1956, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Ernest and Hazel (Manuel) Dupre. Varence married his loving wife, Ruby Nell Vail, on January 9, 1987, in El Paso, Texas.

Varence was the serving Reverend of the United Pentecostal Church of De Leon for over twenty-five years. He and Ruby moved to De Leon from Alabama in 1997 to answer his call from the Lord to pastor the church. Varence and Ruby have many loving friendships all over the country and were blessed with many special friendships here in De Leon. The center of his life was his personal relationship with the Lord, followed by his family and community. He was always a kind, compassionate, and loving servant of the Lord and his love for others spoke volumes of his love for Christ. Varence was a jack of all trades and could complete just about any task before him. He loved woodworking and cooking (his specialty was Cajun food). He loved to sing and play music and study God's word. Varence enjoyed activities that allowed him to spend time outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and riding horseback and 3-wheelers. He was mechanically inclined and enjoyed working on engines and motors from locomotives to weed eaters. He was always happy to help others in any way possible and was a caring neighbor to many.

During his years here in De Leon, he had many occupations outside of this ministry. He was employed with Comanche County Medical Center in maintenance and transportation and De Leon ISD in maintenance and transportation as well. He also worked with the City of De Leon in maintenance and worked for Crown Pump for many years.

Varence was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, special brother and uncle, and a genuine friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Dupre; daughters, Dawn Lewis and husband, Irvin, and Leta Cornwell and husband, Ricky; grandchildren, Taelor Cornwell, Chase Cornwell, and Sydney Lewis; brothers, Gil Dupre and wife, Norma; Harold Dupre and wife, Debbie; sisters, Pat LaFleur and Melba Charlie; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ernest and Hazel Dupre; brother, Gary Dupre; and brother-in-law, Perry LaFleur.

The Dupre family received friends for visitation on Tuesday, January 2, 2023, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home in De Leon. Funeral services celebrating Varence's life were held Wednesday, January 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Rev. Virgil Cornwell officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Rev. Robert Tarpley, Jr., Rev. Jeffrey Pitman, Rev. Winston Roach, Loyd Rush, Chad Rush, and Chase Cornwell.

Funeral services, in the care of Riley Smith and Sons Funeral Home – Kinder, Louisiana, will be held Friday, January 5, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Hall in Washington, Louisiana. The Dupre family will receive friends for visitation at the Hall from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Graveside committal will follow in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Washington, Louisiana. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com or www.rileysmithfuneralhome.com.