Elias Vargas

Elias Vargas 86, a resident of Taos, was called to be with our Lord on June 26th, 2013. Born on March 4, 1927 in Folsom, New Mexico, and raised in Taos, Elias joined the Navy, served in World War II and received a WWII Victory Medal from the United States Navy. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he met and married Alicia Martinez of Taos. They lived in San Francisco and Riverside, California before returning to Taos in 1962. An avid fisherman, skillful carpenter, sheepherder, hunter, and dancer, he greatly loved to be around family and friends. Dad enjoyed life to the fullest. His faith in God was immense. His sense of humor was incredible and memories of his remarks will always be in our hearts. His favorite sayings include hardships come by the dozens, so enjoy life while you can, take it easy, relax, take a break and dont work too hard. Everyone who visited with Elias enjoyed wonderful, humorous conversations and always left with compliments. He made every one feel special, because he knew they were as he was a loving, kind, gentle and generous man. People said the fish never had a chance when he was enjoying his passion for fishing and the outdoors. The fish can now swim in peace.

Dad you are "The GREATEST"!

He was preceded in death by his parents Sofia and Enrique Vargas, siblings Henry, Adelina, Robert, Lucille, and Gilbert. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alicia and children Cecilia (Cissy), Olivia, Lee (Jana), Anna (Lawrence), and Carmela (Mark). He is also survived by his sisters Emma and Josie and his special bro, Jose Serna of El Paso, Texas. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Rosary was recited on June 30, 2013. Funeral Mass was held on July 1, 2013. Both were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taos. Interment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 2nd at 9:45 AM.

Pallbearers include his grandchildren Michael, Marc, and Steven Perez, Elias and Hilary Vargas, Anthony Baca, Isaac and Matthew Gonzales, and Lance and Tyler Gutierrez.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cissy Vargas Scholarship fund (payable to Alicia or Dr. Edward Lee Vargas).