The family of a Spokane High School basketball player who died last week after an early morning practice is thanking the area for its support, and has established a scholarship in memory of Forrest Varney.

Varney’s parents sent out an open letter to the People of the Ozarks – thanking them for their support after their son’s death.  They said Forrest was a true friend to many, a beloved jokester with his classmates and an outstanding brother to his older sisters.

The Christian County Coroner says preliminary autopsy results indicate Varney died from a previously undetected heart condition.

He was laid to rest Sunday afternoon after a memorial service in the gymnasium at Spokane High School.

The family has established the Forrest Varney Memorial Scholarship Fund for the students at his former school.  Donations will be accepted at any Empire Bank in the area, or can be dropped off directly in the office at Spokane High School.

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The family of a Spokane High School basketball player who died last week after an early morning practice is thanking the area for its support, and has established a scholarship in memory of Forrest Varney.

The Christian County Coroner says preliminary autopsy results indicate Varney died from a previously undetected heart condition.

The family has established the Varney Memorial Scholarship Fund for the students at his former school.  Donations will be accepted at any Empire Bank in the area, or can be dropped off directly in the office at Spokane High School.

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An Open Letter to the People of The Ozarks:

The Varney family wishes to extend a genuine, heartfelt thank-you to the dear people of the Ozarks who have expressed support and sent prayers as we grieve the tragic loss of one of the finest young men many have ever known. 

Forrest was a true friend to many, a beloved jokester with his classmates, and an outstanding brother to his older sisters.

The loss of such a promising young person is devastating to his family, yet the words, actions, prayers, texts, emails, calls and notes shared by those who knew him, and even those who didn’t, speak well of our entire region as a whole – the people, the communities, and the outpouring of love.

May God Bless You for extending your hearts to our Forrest in his ascent to Heaven. 

Forrest loved the Lord.  Undoubtedly, he will make those in Heaven smile.  As his classmates say, “Some Souls are Meant to Run with God … Run, Forrest Run.”

Forrest was one who always shared forward, so in lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the Forrest Varney Memorial Scholarship for the students of his school. Donations will be accepted at any Empire Bank location or sent directly to the Spokane High School,167 Kentling Ave.,Highlandville, MO 65669.