John Michael Varela Jr.

John Michael Varela Jr., age 40 of Norman, passed away Friday, October 23, 2015. He was born August 19, 1975 in Lawton, OK, the 3rd of 8 children born to John Michael Sr. and Edna Mae (Kionut) Varela. He spent his early years in Phoenix, AZ and then later in Albuquerque, NM before settling in Oklahoma, where he graduated from Carnegie High School. John then attended the Caddo-Kiowa VO Tech where he studied Graphic Art Design. John was a gifted artist and competed numerous times, earning him 1st Place in Oklahoma and 8th in Nationals competitions. He moved to Maysville in 1994. John met his best friend and soul mate, Linda Beth Smithheisler in 2005. They fell in love and were later married on March 30, 2008 in Eugene, OR. They made their home in Purcell for a time before settling in Norman. For several years, John worked as Facilities Manager at Riverwind Casino. John was an avid sports fan and enjoyed everything from Sooner Football, Thunder Basketball and WWE Wrestling. He was a longtime, Terrible Towel waving, Pittsburg Steeler Fan, and fondly recalled his trip to Steelers Training Camp where he had the pleasure of kissing the turf on Hienz Field. He loved music of all kinds and comedy and he was very proud of his Native American Caddo Heritage. John could bring out the best in people and always brought a smile to their face. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: His son, Chance Randall Townley. John leaves behind: His wife, Linda Varela of the home; Son, John Michael III of Moore; Parents, John Sr. and Edna Mae Varela of Ft. Cobb; 4 sisters, Michelle Akerman of Purcell, Marie Varela Matthews and husband Lloyd of Rosedale, Trinie Varela of Ft. Cobb and Amber Power of Midwest City; 3 brothers, Paul Varela and wife Salina of Bridgecreek, Thomas Varela and Raymond Varela, both of Purcell; Several aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at the First Baptist Church in Purcell. A Wake will follow Wednesday evening at the First Baptist Church in Caddo, OK. The burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Oct. 29 at the Kionut Family Cemetery. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell, OK.

John Michael Varela Jr.

August 19, 1975 - October 23, 2015