Eddie Mata Vargas

Eddie always had his suitcase ready for a trip. He loved long road trips and even short adventures around town. Maybe it was growing up near railroad tracks and hearing the trains on their way across the country or his Navy service that started his love of travel. On Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Eddie made his final trip to meet his Heavenly Father and be reunited with his Mom and Dad, brothers, and sister. He was surrounded by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as he crossed over. The love that was in that room was extraordinary, and what a gift it was for us to pour our love over him as he made that last journey.

Eddie was born on March 19, 1933 to Cleofas and Pearl Vargas in San Antonio, Texas. Little did they know at the time that this Vargas lineage would go on to be celebrated by their descendants, and that Eddie would be their longest living child at 92 years.

Growing up in a family of 10 brothers and one sister, Eddie learned discipline and love from his parents. He went on to live a life dedicated to helping others and loving his family. After joining the Navy as a teenager following a tradition of his family’s military service, he sailed the seven seas as an electrician and was a Golden Gloves boxer. After his time on the USS Oriskany during the Korean War, he started a family, becoming a Girl Dad to 4 daughters.

In his early thirties, he decided to get a college education at George Williams College. After he graduated, his family moved back to San Antonio where he did social work. Because of his training and contacts, he was given some unique opportunities to serve. As part of a delegation from San Antonio, he went to the VietNam Peace Talks in Paris to seek release of the POW/MIAs. After a devastating earthquake in Mexico City, he went there as a counselor. He also worked with gangs during national political conventions to help prevent rioting.

In the late 1970s, he met Orfa and they shared an adventurous life together. They had a daughter, further confirmation that Dad was meant to raise brave girls that he never tried to raise as sons. He always encouraged his daughters to pursue their interests and supported their journeys.

Eddie continued his career as a Bexar County Adult Probation Officer and retired in 1999. His final career was a full-time Grandpa. Eddie and Orfa are the cheerleaders of the family, going to many of the grandkids' events, graduations, Vivienne’s mariachi performance, Fabian’s football games (Eddie loved high school football), Julian’s holiday program, Isabelle’s recitals, Gabby’s softball games, Cami’s solar car race, Kalani’s volleyball games, and cheering on the grandkids who were not in San Antonio.

But for Eddie, the day didn’t start until he had his bean and crispy bacon taco at their local taqueria. This morning ritual became Dad’s favorite part of the day. Even when it became difficult for Dad to walk, Orfa found a way to get him his tacos, and they were often joined by one or more of his daughters and an occasional grandchild or son-in-law.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Orfa Vargas, and daughters, Rebecca Wood and son-in-law Ed Wood, Libit Jones and son-in-law Tom Jones, Annette Knight, Irene Huerta and son-in-law Elias Huerta, and Yvonne Kuykendall and son-in-law Bill Kuykendall. Eddie was so proud of his 14 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

Eddie lived a beautiful life filled with service, love of God, and his unwavering love for his family. He was royalty to us, and to the Vargas Family. Thank you for honoring his life with us. We have enjoyed all the memories you shared, and we feel all the love you have shown to our family over the years. Rest in peace, my love, Dad, Grandpa.

We love you,

Orfa and Eddie’s Daughters

A public viewing will be held Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel Roy Akers, 515 N. Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205.

Services will be observed on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2103 St Cloud, San Antonio, TX 78228, with a lunch to follow.

A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery.

If you would like to make a donation in Eddie’s name, please consider the Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, https://www.michaeljfox.org/. Eddie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the early 2010s, and he benefited from the amazing therapies that are available for Parkinson’s patients.