Johnny Lee Fusselman

Johnny Lee Fusselman, 90, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on November 17, 2025, at his residence.

Johnny was born in Bartlesville, OK, on April 12, 1935, to Raymond “Ray Fusselman and Ora Blanche (Watkins) Fusselman. He grew up and graduated from Bartlesville High School. After high school, he joined the United States Army, working as a chef and serving meals to a general. He went on to continue his education, receiving his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Tulsa.

Johnny worked as a teacher for various area schools including the Oklahoma Military Academy, Cascia Hall Preparatory School, and most recently retiring from Dewey Public Schools. During his time as a teacher, he coached wresting, was a class sponsor, helped students with tutoring, was a driver’s education instructor, and for over 12 years hosted and sponsored several cultural exchange students of German, Czechoslovakian, and Yugoslavian descents that would live with John in his home during the school year.

Throughout his life, Johnny had several interests, many of them involving cooking and preparing food. Johnny loved to cook and smoke and cure various types of meat. At one time, he owned and operated a donut shop and BBQ restaurant. His BBQ sauce quickly became a fan favorite of his restaurant, and he began making his own sauce, packaging it, and selling it. John also was a devout Christian and went through the training to be a preacher, in which he loved spreading the word of the Bible. He will be missed by all that loved him.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents: Ray and Ora Fusselman and his sister: Jacqueline Throckmorton.

Those left to cherish the memory of Johnny include his sister: Caroline Surritte; several nieces and nephews, and his students, along with many friends and other family members.

A graveside service for John will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bartlesville, OK, with Pastor Chris Humby officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Cremation Service. To send an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.