Edward Otto Varner, age 77 passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2012. Otto was born January 25, 1935 to Jesse Rufus and Flora Ethel Varner in Winter Haven, FL. He and his wife Iris have been 20 year residents of Arcadia. Otto was of the Protestant faith. Mr. Varner, a DeSoto County based citrus grower, was the founder and CEO of Bermont Properties LLC. He began his business career in Winter Haven in insurance and real estate sales. During the early 1960 s he along with three of his brothers formed Varner Bros. Inc., opening and operating Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants thru out FL, GA, AL, and TN. Mr. Varner sold his restaurants in 1972, returning to Winter Haven to pursue citrus production on a full time basis. As his citrus holdings moved further to the south, he and his wife Iris relocated to Arcadia in 1991. Otto is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Iris I. Varner, four sons, Steven E (Susie) Varner of Punta Gorda, FL, Phillip E. (Georgia) Varner of Knoxville, TN, David O. (Karen)Varner of Knoxville, TN, and James S.(Tabitha) Varner of Hampton, GA, fifteen grand children and thirteen great grandchildren, one brother; Kenny W. (Judy) Varner, of Auburndale, FL.; two sisters, Rena E. Blackburn of Winter Haven ,FL and Nila Marcille (Leonard) Touchton of Lakeland, FL. Otto was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters. Otto Varner was a loving husband, father, and friend who was always willing to help those in need. Visitation will be held Friday, March 2, 2012 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes, 50 N. Hillsborough Avenue, Arcadia, FL Funeral services will be Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 2:00PM at First Baptist Church, 1006 N. Brevard Avenue,, Arcadia, FL. Services will be officiated by his nephew Reverend Wayne Blackburn, Pastor of Victory Church, Lakeland, FL. Graveside services will follow at Joshua Creek Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.