Joshua David Varner

Services for Joshua David Varner, 41, of Lawrence, will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at First United Methodist Church West Campus (867 U.S. Hwy 40, Lawrence, KS 66049).  There will be a visitation at 2:00 p.m. and funeral services at 3:00 p.m.

Joshua (Josh) died May 24, 2025, unexpectedly and tragically due to an unforeseen medical issue.  He was with his wife and son staying at a cabin at Clinton Lake to prepare for a weekend doing what they love – enjoying the outdoors and being together.

Josh was born on September 16, 1983, in Topeka, KS.  Upon turning 18 in September of 2001, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). His USMC recruiter described Josh as “one of [his] best recruits.”  After graduating from Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, KS, on May 19, 2002, Josh shipped off to Camp Pendleton, CA on May 28th, just 9 days later, to begin his career in the USMC as a Marine.

Josh proudly served in the Marines in active duty from 2002 to 2006 and in the reserves until 2009, achieving the rank of Corporal.  While in the Marines, Josh was recruited to be a member of the Silent Drill Platoon and traveled all over the world.  The Silent Drill Platoon consists of 24 hand-selected infantry Marines straight out of the Infantry Marine Course, who meet the “rigorous standards of this unparalleled duty.” This is considered a great honor in the Marine Corps, demonstrating the discipline and professionalism of the USMC.

Upon his release from active duty, Josh trained to be a Police Officer and graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as well as the National Security Agency.  He served as a Police Officer in Maryland until deciding in 2008 to move back to Kansas to be near family and enroll at Washburn University.  He graduated with honors from Washburn University in 2012.

In 2012, Josh began his career at BNSF.  He received multiple promotions during his time at BNSF from Clerk to Front Line supervisor, to Assistant General Foreman and then to General Foreman.

In 2009 Josh met his wife, Katie.  They bought a home, gathered dogs and were married in 2017.  In 2020 Josh and Katie welcomed their son Braden into their lives.  Josh was a devoted father, focused on working hard for his family and ensuring that they knew every day how much he loved them.  His family and being a father were his greatest achievement and number one priority.

Josh was an avid golfer, dart player, hunter, and outdoorsmen.  He completed any necessary, or requested, home project.  He began, and looked forward to continuing, to teach his son, Braden, everything he knew – car repairs, carpentry, home repairs, hunting deer, perfecting his golf swing, and how to be an amazing dad and husband.  He often told stories about his childhood with his siblings, friends, and family and the mischievous, fearless and hysterical ways he had fun or got into trouble.  He and Braden enjoyed many inside jokes and laughs and Josh’s family enjoys seeing the similarities in humor, fun, and spirit from Braden, reminiscent of Josh.

Josh is survived by his wife, Katie Varner and their son, Braden, his dad, Dave Varner and Dave’s partner Brenda Harmon in Topeka, KS; his mom Joyce Varner of Topeka, KS; his mom Linda Gravenstein of Ozawkie, KS; his brother Shane Varner, wife Lexi Varner, and nephews Chase and Casen of Lawrence, KS; his brother Sean Varner and partner Tiffani, of Topeka, KS; his sister Sara Cummings, husband Cody Cummings, and nephews Chason and Cannon of Baldwin, KS; his grandma Beth Oswald of Topeka, KS; and grandma Barbara Willard of Topeka, KS; his Aunt Susan Haefele, husband Dan Haefele, and their children and grandchildren; his parents in-law Mick and Vickie Lowe, sister in-law Jamie Feldmeyer and her husband Ehren Feldmeyer and their children McCauley, Blaise, and Vale.  He is further survived by extended family, co-workers, and many friends, all who loved him immensely.

As a demonstration of Josh’s priorities, he had set up educational and savings accounts for Braden and Braden’s future. With no expectation, the family shares that an account is established in the name of Braden Varner for his education.  If anyone is inclined to make a donation in Josh’s memory, a donation can be made to Braden David Varner and sent to Equity Bank, 701 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603 (785)233-2923.