Ronald George Vargo

Ronald George Vargo, 91-year-old area resident, passed away early Friday, February 27, 2026, in Vinita. He was born on January 27, 1935, in Braddock, Pennsylvania to Margaret Kathryn Vargo. Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Navy 1952-1955 during the Korean Conflict. Ronald worked in insurance sales with MERCON and was a vice president of sales, along becoming an insurance auditor. He loved working outside in his yard, golfing, going hiking and camping in the mountains. His travels and jobs took him many places in his life, living in Kansas City, St. Louis, Phoenix, and going back and forth for 15 years between South Grand Lake and Fort Worth, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne Vargo; his mother, Margaret Kathryn Vargo; and three stepsons.

The family includes his daughter, Kelly Dupree of Phoenix, stepdaughter, Linda Sanders Lucas of Vinita; seven step-grandchildren and fifteen step-great-grandchildren.

Private services will be held, with plans for interment at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. "Vinita's only locally family owned and operated funeral home."