Antonino "Tony" Vargas
At the age of 89, Antonino "Tony" Vargas, a longtime resident of Dewey, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully into the arms of our Lord on October 2, 2018.
Tony was born in Dewey to Juanita Heredia Vargas and Remeigio Cortez Vargas on January 3, 1929. He attended and graduated from Dewey Public Schools. As a Bulldogger, he excelled at athletics and was the co-captain of the Dewey football team. After high school, he joined the US Army and fought in the Korea Conflict under the 3rd infantry division.
Tony returned to Dewey after his service and was later joined in holy matrimony to Margaret "Maggie" Miranda. Together they raised, in Bartlesville and Dewey, one daughter, Kathy Vargas, and two sons, Ray and Michael Vargas.
Tony was well known for his thriving concrete business. He relied on the word-of-mouth of his satisfied customers to advertise his business. Tony helped build the surrounding area by pouring many homes, buildings, and curbs. Other projects he was involved with include the landmark Price Tower and the iconic Portland Cement Plant, smoothing the walls of the highest towers.
Tony's hard work ethic carries on in his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Each having their own talents and skills that provide for their families and continue to give back to their communities while honoring his legacy.
Tony's happiest times were watching his grandkids and great-grandkids creating bonds that will last a lifetime, playing sports, dances and getting into trouble. He also had a love for hunting. The Hill, his local hunting area, brought him many years of memories teaching his future generations the ways of hunting, life lessons, first memories, and an occasional nap.
When he wasn't working or with family, Tony helped his AA friends in recovery and dedicated much of his life to helping those in need. He frequently visited local prisons to provide an AA group at the facilities. Tony always had his door open, and an extra seat in his vehicle and let all know he was just a phone call away.
In his final moments, as he most often was in life, he was surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Margaret "Maggie" Vargas of the home; brother John and wife Margaret Vargas of Woodland, California and Spencer Vargas of Woodland, California: sisters, Librada Gonzales of Sacramento, California and Mary and husband Milford Martin of Sacramento, California and oldest daughter Kathy Vargas of Stillwater Ok., sons Ray and Mike Vargas of Dewey Ok., 10 grandkids, 12 great grandkids and countless friends and family.
Tony's visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 4th and Friday Oct. 5th from 9-5 at Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. A rosary will be said on October 5th at 7:00 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Dewey with Catholic Mass and Funeral to be held at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe, on Saturday October 6th, 2018. He will be laid to rest at Dewey Cemetery.
"God Grant Me the Serenity to Accept the Things I Cannot Change; the Courage to Change the Things I Can; and the Wisdom to Know the Difference."
Arrangements are under the direction of the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honor-ingmemories.com.
Posted online on October 4, 2018
Published in Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
© Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home