Gabriel Vargas was born on March 24, 1935, and passed away peacefully at home on October 25, 2024, at the age of 89 after losing his fight with kidney disease. Gabriel was surrounded by family and friends at home during his passing in Kansas City, Missouri.

Gabriel was the 8th and first boy of 15 children born to Hipilito and Aurelia Vargas. Growing up in Armourdale, KS he played softball, baseball, and basketball. He completed his education at 8th grade. He served proudly in the Marine Corps and was stationed at the Marine Corp Supply Center in Barstow, California from December 15th, 1953, to December 14th, 1956. He received the National Defense Service Medal and USMC Good Conduct Medal before being honorably discharged on December 14th, 1961. Following his Military service, he played in the Mexican American under hand fast pitch softball league for The Bravos.

Gabriel met his wife, Gloria, in 1958 and married her 18 months later. Married for 61-years due to her passing in 2021, they planted their roots on Spruce Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked at McGrew Color Graphics company for 34-years to support their four children. Gabriel was active in athletics participating in a bowling league and Mexican baseball league. He also golfed for fun receiving an award in Salina, KS for worst golfer.

Following his retirement in 1996, Gabriel spent most of his time in the back room sitting on his throne watching sports, western movies, the news, and Wheel of Fortune. He was a devout Catholic attending Sunday Mass regularly up until about 2-months prior to his passing. Gabriel was a man of great dad jokes. He always brought smiles and laughter when he entered the room.

Gabriel is survived by his brothers Robert Vargas (wife, Josephine Vargas) and Richard Vargas (wife, Dorthy Vargas); sisters, Guadalupe Sanchez, Consuela Shoffner, Mary Sanchez, Celia Jones, Irene Gibbs (husband, Fred Gibbs); children, Victoria (Hayes) Vargas, Teresa Sukra (husband, Marcus Sukra), Ruben Vargas, and Tina Dale; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death: by his parents Hippilito and Aurelia Vargas; wife, Gloria Vargas; brother, Benjamin Vargas; sisters, Hope Crogan, Cecelia Vargas (infant), Inez Vargas, Elvira Gonzalez, Josephine Zlateff, and Rita Vargas. Gabriel will be greatly missed by those who loved and knew him.

The Funeral Mass will be 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Saint Mary's Cemetery. All are encouraged to wear Chiefs red .