Legendary Indiana Christian Broadcaster Dies

J.D. Varner (right), poses in the WMUG studios with morning show host Lillian O. Clemons and former state representative Dave Reed (photo credit: The Christian Witness).

A longtime Christian radio broadcaster in Indiana County has passed away.

John D. “J.D.” Varner first began his “Layman’s Witness” broadcasts on WDAD in Indiana starting in 1966, where he interviewed local people about their spiritual journey and its impact on their daily living. Over time, the program would grow from its initial 20-minute length Sunday mornings to five hours, and a name change to “The Christian Witness.”

Despite the program’s successful run on WDAD, Varner aspired to build a station that would serve Indiana County’s Christian community on a full-time basis. When a round of low-power FM licenses became available after the turn of the 21st Century, Varner assembled a board of trustees and formed The Christian Witness, Inc., and applied for one of the licenses, successfully receiving a construction permit for 105.1 mHz in 2002. On September 1, 2004, the new station, known as WMUG (for Worldwide Media Under God), went on the air for the first time from studios at 105 Coolspring Road in White Township, just outside of the Indiana borough limits.

Varner’s own beginnings in broadcasting were rather unusual, beginning with his healing from a life-threatening illness back in 1965. After making a full recovery, Varner searched within himself for a gift to return to God for his healing. After entering a speech competition as a member of Toastmasters International, he was complimented on his voice, which served as a turning point in his life’s direction. Less than a year later, “Layman’s Witness” aired on WDAD, at that time the only radio station in Indiana County.

The program quickly gained popularity, and galvanized Varner’s reputation among the community. An insurance broker by trade, Varner was elected Mayor of Indiana borough beginning in 1989.

Varner continued “The Christian Witness” on WDAD in its usual time slot after signing WMUG on the air. He continued to air the program until his death this past Friday at the age of 87. He is survived by Daria, his wife of 65 years, two sons, two daughters, and 12 grandchildren.

Varner was also a U.S. Army veteran and a 1953 graduate of Indiana High School. He graduated in 1957 from IUP (then known as Indiana State Teachers’ College) and then earned his Masters in Education from the University of Pittsburgh.

The Robinson-Lytle-Shoemaker Funeral Home in Indiana is in charge of arrangements for J.D. Varner.