Ted Robert Varns

Ted Robert Varns, 92, of Friendswood, Texas, passed away in the early hours of May 27, 2025. He was born in Atlanta, Missouri on December 24, 1932. Ted graduated from high school in Atlanta, Missouri in 1951, and he attended each of his high school reunions (the last occurring in 2011 when there were still 10 surviving members of the class of 20).

Ted enlisted for the Air Force, and he served his entire career as an airman, serving in 26 countries. During the Korean War, Ted installed and inspected airplane ejection systems, and he was also a player on the Air Force Baseball Team.

He was stationed in Brownsville, Texas in 1956, at which point he met Maria (née Hernandez), to whom he married and had his two children, Steve Robert and Gina Maria. Throughout his life, Ted, a hopeless romantic, was married three times. He lived part of his life in Washington, DC and then returned for many years to Atlanta, Missouri once he retired.

He enjoyed tomato gardening, salt and freshwater fishing, hunting, and taking care of his pet cats. He was also an avid football fan of the Washington Commanders. Ted spent the last years of his life back in Texas, where he was able to remain close to family.

Ted was survived by his two children (Steve and Gina), seven grandchildren (Genesis, Sean, Candice, Kelly, Nikki, Taylor, and Travis), twelve great-grandchildren (Stephan, Zachariah, Noah, Tigerlily, Gavin, Gunner, Shiloh, Carlos, Penelope, Juliana, Diana, and Barry), and great-great-grandchild (Jude). He will be laid to rest with military honors on June 4, 2025 at the Houston National Cemetery.