Johnny Louis Veselka

Johnny Louis Veselka, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, at the age of 77 in Austin, Texas. Born on September 14, 1947 in Schulenburg, Texas, Johnny grew up with his younger brother, Larry. Their parents, Pauline and John Veselka raised them with a deep Catholic faith and taught them the value of hard work.

Johnny graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio where he also began his career in public education in 1969. He joined the Texas Association of School Administrators in 1974 as an intern while pursuing both his administration certification and his second master’s degree at The University of Texas at Austin. In 1975, he served as TASA’s assistant executive director, working on legislative policy development, educational research, professional development, public relations and long range planning. In 1979, Johnny was selected to participate in the Cooperative Superintendency Program jointly sponsored by The University of Texas and the Texas Education Agency, earning a Ph.D. in Educational Administration in 1982. In 1986, Johnny was selected as the Executive Director of TASA and remained at the helm for an additional 32 years, until his retirement in 2018.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Kristin and husband, Jason Duane; daughter, Bethany Veselka and fiancé, Kyle Mire; grandson, Jacob Duane and wife, Nicole; and granddaughter, Kindal Duane.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Sharpley; sister, Ann Marie who died in infancy; and brother, Larry Veselka.

The funeral will be a private ceremony, remembering Johnny in the presence of close family. In lieu of flowers, we ask that Johnny’s legacy be continued by donating to the Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship at https://tasanet.org/awards/johnny-l-veselka-scholarship/. Donations can also be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (9500 Neenah Avenue, Austin, TX 78717).