Paul Maydaleno Vargas Sr.

Paul Maydaleno Vargas Sr. Also known as "Boots" by his friends and family and to his grandchildren "Coco", age 78, of Wellington, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, surrounded by love.

Paul was born on January 15, 1948, in Winfield, Kansas. He built a long and respected career as an electrician at Boeing Aerospace, where his strong work ethic and problem-solving skills shined-traits that followed him home as well. A true jack of all trades, Paul was always fixing something, tinkering on projects, or lending a helping hand. He found joy in gardening, fishing, and watching football-especially cheering on the Cornhuskers.

Above all, Paul treasured time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known for his goofy sense of humor, his kind heart, and his ability to make everyone laugh. Whether he was cracking jokes, showing off his dance moves on the floor, or simply enjoying time together, his presence brought warmth and joy to those around him. By his side through it all was his loyal canine sidekick, Hicksie, who brought him comfort, companionship, and plenty of smiles.

Paul will be remembered as loving, kind-hearted, and endlessly fun-a man who made life lighter just by being in the room.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carolyn Vargas; his father Cruz Vargas; his children Paul Vargas Jr. (Holly), Paula Vargas, and Debra Jeffries (Russ); his brothers Tommy Vargas, Richard Vargas Sr, and Mike Vargas (Renee'); sisters Mary Green (Norman), and Nina Smith; his grandchildren Hope Brown (Brad), Payton Simoni (Chris), Dominique Vargas, Devin Etter (Hunter), Zander Vargas, Darian Blackburn, and Riddick Jeffries; and his great-grandchildren Camden, Rhett, and Brooks Brown; Maverick, Layci, and Mason Simoni; and Violet and Archer Etter.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law Domingo and Rosie Perez; his mother Susie Vargas; his brother Carlos Vargas; his sisters-in-law Angie Hyatt, Romona Abasolo, Bo Seyfert and Anita Gallegos, his brothers-in-law Manuel Lira, Dale Brown, and Jere Robinson; his grandson Brock Jeffries; and his nephews Sanatana Tapia and JJ Cabrera.

A Rosary Service for Paul will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Anthony & St. Rose Catholic Church, located at 210 North B Street, Wellington, Kansas, 67152. His Funeral Mass will follow the next day, Monday, February 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the same location with burial to follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens in Wellington, Kansas. His Funeral Mass will be live streamed on the St. Anthony St. Rose YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/@StAnthonyStRose

Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Contributions may be mailed or left with the funeral home.

Paul's legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely. It's not a goodbye, it's a see you later.

In memory of Paul, we invite you to share your memories, condolences, and photos on his memorial page at www.cornejofuneralhome.com. Your tributes will serve as a comforting reminder of the impact Paul had on all of us. Arrangements are being made by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.