Andres Vargas, 96, passed away on July 27, 2026. He was born on November 30, 1929, in Miami, Arizona, to Jesus Vargas and Belen Vargas. He spent much of his life in El Paso, Texas, and lived his final years in Brownsville, Texas, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.
Andres married Petrita Vargas on September 25, 1952. She preceded him in death in 2006. He was also preceded in death by his son, Andres O. Vargas.
He is survived by his children, Irma Monárrez, Rene Vargas, Martin “Chacho” Vargas, and Imelda Reveles; his grandchildren, Monica Monárrez, Eric Monárrez, Carlos Monárrez, Amanda Vargas, Veronica Vargas, Christina Vargas, Julian Vargas, Davina Sanchez, and Derek Reveles; his great-grandchildren, Richard Rosenbaum, Carlos Jesus Solis-Monárrez, Isabella Solis-Monárrez, Eric Monárrez, Miranda Monárrez, Ana Monárrez, Carlos Aidan Monárrez, Bella Vargas, Manuel Sanchez, and Natalia Sanchez; and his great-great-grandchildren, Alexander Rosenbaum and Vanessa Rosenbaum.
A master electrician, Andres built his life through discipline, skill, and tireless work. Throughout his career, he trained numerous young men in the electrical trade, many of whom went on to become successful electricians themselves. He generously shared not only his knowledge and experience, but also the tools of the trade. When a young man wanted to work but did not have the tools he needed, Andres would give him tools from his own collection so that he could learn, work, and build a future for himself.
After retiring from his trade, Andres devoted himself to growing pistachio trees. He believed deeply in the dignity of hard work, had little patience for laziness, and expected every able-bodied man in the family to work hard and carry his share. Through both his words and his example, he passed that determination, self-reliance, and sense of responsibility on to the generations that followed him.
Although Andres never sought praise or recognition, his courage was unmistakable. In one remarkable act, he entered a home where an entire family had succumbed to a natural gas leak and pulled them to safety. It was characteristic of the way he lived: when someone needed help, he acted.
Beneath his toughness and high expectations was a deeply caring and generous man. He adored his grandchildren and was fiercely protective of them, always doting on them and making sure they were cared for. He looked after those who needed looking after and was quick to offer help whenever he saw someone struggling.
Andres leaves behind a family shaped by his strength, work ethic, courage, generosity, and devotion. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; through the electricians he trained and encouraged; and through the lessons he taught about working hard, protecting and providing for family, and helping others without expecting recognition in return.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Eugene de Mazenod Catholic Church, 5409 Austin Road, Brownsville, Texas 78521.
Visitation will follow from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, 125 McDavitt Boulevard, Brownsville, Texas 78521.
Andres will be remembered as a hardworking provider, a gifted mentor, a quiet hero, a devoted grandfather, and the strong foundation of a family whose lives will carry his memory forward for generations.
