Gilbert P. Vargas

Gilbert P. Vargas, beloved husband, father and grandfather, entered into eternal rest on January 22, 2016 at the age of 90 in San Antonio, Tx. Born in Clovis, New Mexico on August 28, 1925 to Ramon and Hermelinda Vargas; he now reunites with his parents and siblings: John, Raymond, Trine and Frank. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sang Yol Vargas; daughter, Marian Vargas Mendoza and husband Juan; grandchildren Amber Ramirez and Trae Ramirez; sister-in-laws Agnes “Minnie” Vargas and Lucy Mercy Vargas-Gray; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Gilbert served in the Army for over 27 years. He served through WWII, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. Gilbert also had dedicated ten years (1952 -1962) of his life to the Lord at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey in Oregon as a Monk. After leaving the monastery and re-enlisting in the Army, Gilbert met his wife and was married in 1966. He did start his family late in life but was able to enjoy retirement by helping take care of his grandchildren while attending St. Mary’s University to pursue higher education. Gilbert was not known to be very talkative but when he did, he had stories to tell about the Depression, Prohibition and hitchhiking all through Europe as well as the US. He lived a full life – several full lives. He had a sense of humor that stayed with him till the end – the nursing staff enjoyed his wittiness. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and administration at SAMMC and Saint Mary Christi Santa Rosa Hospice for their care and support during his last days.

The family will be receiving guests at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, 515 North Main Avenue, on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. Rosary. A procession will depart the funeral home on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Resurrection at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Saint Mary Christi Santa Rosa Hospice Center in memory of Gilbert P. Vargas, so that the center can provide care for those who cannot afford Hospice.