David was born on July 22, 1942, in Las Cruces New Mexico, to Samuel Vargas and Ramona Apodaca Vargas. Those close to David describe him as a great athlete with quick hands. He was a graduate of Las Cruces High School where he won back-to-back state championships, in basketball and baseball. He was selected by New Mexico Activities Association to play in the State Championship tournament.
David was extremely proud of his 20 years of service in the United States Army. At the age of 24, David left New Mexico to enlist in the U.S. ARMY in 1968. During his tenure in the Army, he received the following Awards:
BRONZE STAR MEDAL, ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE LEAF CLUSTERS, ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL, NCO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, ARMY SERVICE RIBBON, OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN RIBBON WITH DEVICE, SHARPSHOOTER BADGE, ARMY RETIRED LAPEL BUTTON
He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel Vargas and Ramona Apodaca Vargas, and daughter Debra Gallegos.
He is survived by his wife Mary Lou Vargas, daughter Margaret Lee Vargas, son David Vargas and wife Cynthia, daughter Patsy Baquera, son Adam Lopez, grandchildren Justin Gimenez, Oscar Saenz, Anthony Saenz, Efren Corrales, Daniela Vargas, Ronnie Baquera Jr., Steven Baquera, Rick Baquera, Eric Baquera, Adrian Baquera, Alicia Weikum, Ramon Gallegos, Eddie Lopez, Basti Gonzales, Selena Lopez, Tiffani Lopez, Adam Lopez Jr., Jaclyn Lopez, and 24 great-grandchildren. Sisters Eva, Mary, Brothers Samuel, Adam, Felipe and wife Virginia.
Pallbearers: Justin, Anthony, Efren, Rick, Ramon and Adam Jr.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel, 8817 Dyer, El Paso, Tx 79904. A mass will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Funeraria del Angel. David will be laid to rest at Fort Bliss Cemetery.
