Anthony J. Vargas

ANTHONY JOSEPH VARGAS

Anthony Joseph “Tony” Vargas was born August 6, 1946 in Kansas City, Kansas and departed this life on October 18, 2024 at his home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 78 years, 2 months and 12 days.

He was the son of Joseph and Rosemary (Daniels) Vargas.

Tony spent his younger years in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1965. After graduation, Tony proudly served his country in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge from the military in 1967, Tony returned to the Kansas City area and went to work as a mechanic and service manager for Jerry Hayes Ford in Independence, Missouri. While working at Jerry Hayes Ford, Tony would often go to Hi-Boy Drive-In on Noland Road in Independence for lunch. It was here that he became acquainted with Wilma Hatley, who also worked in the area, and occasionally had lunch at Hi-Boy. On October 4, 1968 Tony and Wilma were united in marriage in Independence. After their marriage they made their home in Independence where they lived until 1982 when they moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri where they lived until Tony’s retirement.

In 1979, Tony took a position with Blue Springs Ford where he worked for almost 20 years. After his retirement, Tony turned his hobby into a fulltime business of fabricating and restoration of street rods. Tony connected with many people, over the years, through his love for cars.  Tony also enjoyed fishing for catfish and crappie, but his true passion was always cars. He was “a man of many talents”, and could create just about anything through his skill and knowledge.

Tony was a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He was completely devoted to his family and would do anything in his power to help them if they needed it.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rosemary Vargas.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma L. (Hatley) Vargas; daughter, Jennifer Covie “Jennie” Vargas; brothers, Sonny Vargas and wife Carolyn of Purdy, Missouri; Raymond Vargas of Bonner Springs, Kansas and, Gilbert Vargas and wife Roberta of Porum, Oklahoma; sister, Irene Potter of Lockwood, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.

The family of Anthony Joseph “Tony” Vargas will host a Memorial Service and Visitation on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Grace Family Fellowship, 125 N. Armstrong Street, Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080. Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Dr. Roger Smith, officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the Memorial Service at the church until 6:00 P.M.