Joe Vargas, 87, peacefully passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2014, surrounded by his six daughters and his grandchildren. Funeral: 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Mount Olivet Chapel. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Rosary: 6 p.m. Friday in Mount Olivet Chapel. Memorials: As an alternative to flowers, the Vargas family suggests donations be made in Joe's memory to Honor Flight DFW. Mail to 10455 North Central Expwy., Suite 109-195, Dallas, Texas 75231 or visit www.honorflightdfw.org. Joe was born March 18, 1926, in Austin to Gavino Vargas and Augustina Briseno Vargas. He married Hope Saldana Vargas on Feb. 9, 1947, and together they were lifelong residents of Fort Worth. Joe was a proud World War II veteran, commissioned June 30, 1944, in the United States Army, Company E, 28th Infantry Battalion, and bravely fought at the Battle of the Bulge. Joe was wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart and multiple service medals. Following his military deployment Joe had a distinguished career with the United States Postal Service. After his retirement from the Postal Service he continued to serve his community as a Deputy for the Tarrant County Sherriff's Department. Joe was a loving husband, father and grandfather and his family was his greatest joy. He dedicated his adult life to encouraging and supporting his children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors, always stressing the importance of honor and education. He took great pride in his family and enjoyed hosting them at his home on Lake Worth. Joe was a founding member of the Pan American Golf Association of Fort Worth. The family wishes to thank the staff at Plaza Medical Center and Broadway Plaza for their kindness and compassion in treating Joe. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Hope Saldana Vargas, in February 2009; his parents, Gavino Vargas and Augustina Briseno Vargas; and siblings, Robert Bargas, Martin Vargas, Minnie Chazaretta and Jean Silva. Survivors: Daughters, Dee Vargas and husband, Scott Kidd, Diana Vargas and husband, Robert Cruz, Janet Vargas and John Bock, Catherine Vargas-Severin and husband, Jim Severin, Rosanne Vargas, Joanne Vargas Ballou and husband, Dan Ballou; grandchildren, Elizabeth de La Garza Vargas and husband, Carlos Garcia, Monica de La Garza Napier and husband, Rob Napier, Joseph Vargas Bock, Scott Vargas Kidd, Andrea Vargas Severin Goins and husband, Ryan Goins, Jacqueline Vargas Bock and fiance, Rizwan Mohammed, Samantha Vargas Baldwin Hozbo and husband, Dzemil Hozbo, Jordan Vargas Bock, Emilia Abigail Ballou, Mary Hope Ballou, Grant Vargas Baldwin; great-grandchildren, Elisa Vargas Garcia, Gabriella Hope Napier, Brooklin Hozbo, Camden Hozbo; and cherished sister, Annie Trujillo.

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Published by Star-Telegram from Mar. 13 to Mar. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe Vargas

Sponsored by the Star-Telegram.

19 Entries

Chloe' Vargasanne Harper

March 18, 2014

Once when my mother (Christine) and I were visiting my grandfather (Martin) I met Aunt Hope and Uncle Joe. They were so sweet to me and i remember thinking how much he resembled my grandfather. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Christine Vargas-Nieswiadomy

March 18, 2014

To my cousins and their families: I will always have fond memories of Uncle Joe, his subtle smile, and his kind yet authoritative demeanor. He was a man of character and high ideals and above all a good brother to my father. May the Lord bless you all with the Holy Spirit to comfort you during this time of sorrow.

Randy & Christine Vargas-Nieswiadomy

March 14, 2014

Joe, thanks for all you taught me. I enjoyed
working with you as your assistant at
Stockyards Post Office.
Rudy Herrera

Monica Napier

March 14, 2014

Jodi, Thank you so much for your message and for volunteering your time with Honor Flight. This was a huge honor for my grandfather and something that we could have never done alone without the Honor Flight organization and their team of volunteers and medical professionals. This was a highlight of life. We are so grateful that he had the opportunity to go on the flight. Thank you so much for posting the photos.

Jodi Sorenson

March 14, 2014

I am so very blessed to have met Mr. Vargas as he was a Veteran of Flight 17 of Honor Flight DFW. I am honored to have met you, sir. Prayers to your family and my sincerest sympathy.

Welcome Home

Jodi Sorenson

March 14, 2014

Mail Call

Jodi Sorenson

March 14, 2014

Reading his Mail Call

Jodi Sorenson

March 14, 2014

Boarding the plaine

Jodi Sorenson

March 14, 2014

At the Air Force Memorial

Jodi Sorenson

March 14, 2014

In front of the Vietnam Wall

Jodi Sorenson

March 14, 2014

Being coined by an active duty Marine

Jodi Sorenson

March 14, 2014

Joe and Janet at breakfast before his Honor Flight

Jodi Sorenson

March 14, 2014

March 13, 2014

We are very sorry to learn about the loss of your beloved father. Our deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at during this difficult time. Sophie (Puente) & Richard Bowers

Debra DeWitt

March 13, 2014

To the Vargas Family, May God give you strength during this difficult time. I have only great memories of my Tio Joe. I will cherish them always. My deepest sympathy to you all.

March 13, 2014

Vargas Family, Our prayers are with you during this time. Your father lived a full great life. I know you are very proud to call him DAD! Love, The MARTINEZ GIRLS, Laura, Patty and Maria.

Dolores Ayala Ríos

March 13, 2014

Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Mr. Vargas had a beautiful family.

Samantha Vargas Baldwin Hozbo

March 13, 2014

Dad you will always remain in our hearts but may you find peace with Mom in heaven. We love you dearly and we will see you again.

Tony Johnson

March 13, 2014

To the Vargas family, especially Rosanne and her children Samantha and Grant, may God's peace surround you during this time of grief.

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