U.S. Air Force · United States 
Robert Varner
1989
Robert William Varner Jr. served the U.S. Air Force for 4 years.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff Robert Varner was shot and killed after stopping a stolen vehicle with stolen tags on I-40. When the vehicle stopped, the passenger exited the car and opened fire with a submachine gun, striking Deputy Varner several times. The suspects split up, and the shooter committed suicide before officers could apprehend him. The driver of the vehicle was apprehended and sentenced to thirteen years. Deputy Varner had been a member of the Navajo County Sheriff's Department for one year after retiring from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, with 24 years of service.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1955 – 1959
Also Served
Navajo County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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