Jose Vargas

VARGAS
On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Jose Vargas went to his final dwelling place the Lord prepared for him. He died peacefully, surrounded by his wife, his daughters, his sister, his grandchildren, and other immediate family members and friends. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Irene, his four daughters: Teresa Villanueva, Diana Flores (Robert), Elizabeth Cantu (Lonnie), Kristina Vargas and sister Helen Castellanos of San Francisco. He is also survived by eight grandchildren - Matthew, Mark, Marissa [and their father Melecio Villanueva], Andrea, Alexandra, Paul, Vincent and Eliana and great-grand children - JohnDavid and Jonathan, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Jose (A.K.A. "Big Joe Thunder") was born on May 15, 1932 to Richard and Pilar Vargas. Joe's life got off to a rough start as both of his parents died when he was still a young child. He enlisted in the United States Air Force as a young man, in search of a better life. After a short Air Force career, he continued to serve his nation working in Civil Service for a total of 37 years as a foreman cook at both Lackland AFB and Ft. Sam Houston Army Base. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Irene Valadez (the girl next door so to speak). Throughout the years they had and raised four loving daughters. His faith and strong conviction led him and his wife to make numerous sacrifices to ensure their children received a Catholic education from first grade through high school. Over the years, he enjoyed volunteering for many school and church festivals. He did everything from running the hamburger, shiskabob or cascarone booth, to helping with the beer booth (his favorite of course). After retiring from his Civil Service career, he kept busy working as election judge for most local, state and national elections, which he did up until a year ago when he was diagnosed with cancer. He loved serving his community in this capacity and was passionate about making sure all citizens utilized their right to vote. Joe also stayed busy volunteering as an Usher during Mass. He was a proud member of St. Mary Magdalen's Knights of Columbus Council 9902 and enjoyed serving the church community with his fellow Brother Knights. There were many weekends where he could be found in the church cafeteria preparing all the fixings for a taco breakfast or at various churches around the city selling raffle tickets with his wife. Joe enjoyed vacationing and took many trips with his wife and close friends to Las Vegas, Coushatta and Laughlin, Nevada, where he was famous for playing a mean game of Video Poker and Keno. One of the most beautiful things about Joe was that he had a knack for making friends wherever he went. He could strike up conversations with total strangers and they would part as friends. He was loved by all who met him and will be dearly missed. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at The Angelus Funeral Home from 3pm to 6pm with recitation of the rosary to begin at 6:30pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 10:15am. Burial will immediately follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Condolences may be sent to the Vargas family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by: