Johnnie Lee Varsolona (affectionately known as "Shorty" or "Vars"), 77, of Frontenac, Kansas, passed away at 3:46 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at Oakview Estates in Frontenac.

Johnnie Lee was born on Jan. 1, 1949, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to John and Verna Lee (Parsons) Varsolona. He grew up in Arma, Kansas, and graduated from Arma High School in 1966. He went on to attend Fort Scott Community College for two years before graduating from Pittsburg State University (PSU) in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. On Aug. 5, 1972, Johnnie married Maurene Hocevar at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Girard, Kansas. She survives him of the home after 54 years of beautiful marriage. Johnnie Lee dedicated his life to education, mentorship, and sports, impacting countless lives across the region. He taught and coached at Bronaugh, Missouri from 1972 to 1976, Frontenac High School from 1978 to 1981, and Southeast High School from 1982 to 1988. He then moved to higher education, teaching at Labette Community College from 1988 to 1995. Johnnie Lee also coached at the collegiate level as an assistant basketball coach for PSU from 1989 to 1990, and later served as the assistant boys basketball coach at Fort Scott from 1990 to 1992. In 1996, he founded the Varsolona Driving School, which he owned and operated.

Johnnie Lee's greatest pride was the life he built as an educator, and the countless students whose lives he touched along the way. He believed teaching was never just about the lesson in front of him; it was about — the relationships he built with each and every student. He went above and beyond for everyone who needed him, whether in the classroom or behind the wheel as a driving instructor, always with quiet passion and dedication. At the heart of everything he did was a simple goal: to make someone's life a little better. Those who knew him-students, colleagues, and friends alike — will remember him not just for what he taught, but for how deeply he cared. His exceptional leadership on the basketball court earned him widespread recognition. He was named the Kansas Coach of the Year in 1975. In 1997, he was honored to do a Miners presentation in Washington, DC. His lasting impact on Kansas sports was cemented in 2007 when he was inducted into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in Topeka. Most recently, he was honored with a Hall of Fame induction in 2025 as a Head Girls Basketball Coach. Deeply committed to his community and faith, Johnnie Lee was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he served on the church council. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and dedicated his time to local leadership by serving on the Frontenac City Council. Above all his achievements, Johnnie Lee was a loving husband, father, and papa (pops). He loved life, especially when spending time on the golf course with his friends and family, taking annual golfing trips together or going to the casinos. His greatest joy, however, was his family. He cherished his six grandchildren and was incredibly proud of each and every one of them. He was their biggest fan, attending every single school function, dance recital, and sporting event they were in. In addition to his wife, Maurene, he is survived by his daughter, Mandy (Varsolona) Ossana, and her husband Shannon of Olathe, KS; his son, Ryan Varsolona, and his wife Annie of Frontenac, KS; and his six beloved grandchildren: Curtis Ossana and his wife Kylee of Gardner, KS, Katelyn Ossana of Olathe, KS, and Ace, Jaxon, Bella, and Gio Varsolona, all of Frontenac, KS, He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marlene Ashbacher of Frontenac, KS; his brother-in-law, Danny Hocevar of Girard, KS; as well as several nieces, nephews, great — nieces, great — nephews, and great great-nieces and nephews.

Johnnie Lee was preceded in death by his parents, John and Verna Lee Varsolona; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rita and Leo Hocevar; his sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Laurence Smerchek; his brothers-in-law, Steve Ashbacher and John Hocevar; and his niece, Stephanie Ashbacher Wilson. Johnnie Lee's family extends a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Oakview Estates and the staff of Harry Hynes Hospice. Your dedicated care, dignity, and comfort provided to him, as well as the support shown to our family, will never be forgotten.

Mass of Christian Burial will 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac, Kansas with Father Michael Simone as the Celebrant. Burial will be at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Frontenac, Kansas. The rosary will be said at 6 p.m., Aug. 30, 2026, at the Bedene Funeral Home in Arma, Kansas. The family will receive friends following the rosary. The family suggests memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the John “Shorty” Varsolona Scholarship Fund at Frontenac High School. Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712.