George K. Varghese

October 13, 1937 - June 20, 2019

The Biography of George K. Varghese October 13, 1937-June 20, 2019 George Karimpanamannil Varghese was born October 13, 1937 in Anicadu, Mallappally. He was born to Mathai Varughese and his mother Achiamma. He was one of 4 brothers and one sister. Dad attended college in India completing a bachelor’s degree in Theology. During his college years in India he met, who would be, long time family friends and mentors who encouraged him to pursue his higher education in the United States. On scholarship, he attended Asbury Seminary located in Wilmore, Kentucky completing his Masters in Theology. Afterwards he attended the University of Kentucky completing Master degrees in Philosophy and Education. Between December 1971 and May 20th, 1972, he met and married Gracy Kuruvilla. September of 1973, Mom and Dad moved to St. Louis. Dad entered a Ph.D theology program at St. Louis University. In 1974 he decided to end his studies and completed a certificate in social work and counseling. Dad began his career with the State of Missouri Department of Family Services. He was a social worker there for 20 years, retiring in 1994. Dad was very involved with the Mayalayee Community in St. Louis. In 1978 he was one of the founders of the Ecumenical prayer group which met monthly. In the early 1990s our dad and several others wrote to the Mar Thoma Church governing body to have a consistent Mar Thoma priest administer Mar Thoma worship services. Once established, our dad along with a few others were instrumental in establishing the St. Louis Mar Thoma Church for all the local Marthomites to worship. Dad served as vice president and committee member to the Mar Thoma Church, Ecumenical prayer group and Mayalayee Association. Outside of his church activities, our dad had many interests. Dad was a gardener, tennis and table tennis player, handyman, investor, world traveler, avid reader, news and political enthusiast. Despite his varied interests, his children’s interests were the most important to him. He was very present and involved in his children’s lives. Dad always put God first in his life and passed on that legacy to his children. June 20, 2019, Dad was called home to the Lord. He is immensely missed by his wife of 47 years Gracy Varghese, his two children Betty and Ebby Varghese, his daughter in law Lisa Varghese and his three grandchildren, Phoebe, Zoe, and Basil. He is survived by one brother Thomas Varughese. Funeral services: Starting at 9 AM St. Louis Mar Thoma Church-Historic Sanctuary 2840 North Ballas Rd St. Louis, MO 63131