Jose C. Vargas

December 21, 1946 – October 26, 2025

Jose C. (Joe) Vargas passed away on October 26, 2025 at the age of 78, after a lengthy illness. He was born on December 21, 1946, in New Braunfels, Texas, the third of nine children born to Luisa Campos Vargas and Guadalupe Vargas Sr. Joe was born a twin, and his sister sadly passed at birth, a loss that forever remained part of his story.

Joe was a quiet, intelligent child whose humility and kindness were evident from a young age. While attending Lone Star Elementary, he was honored in the sixth grade with the American Legion Award for outstanding student achievement. At just 15 years old, Joe began working to help support his family, starting at City Bakery. It was there, in 1963, that he met the love of his life, Yolanda Carrillo. After a gentle but persistent courtship, Yolanda accepted his proposal, and they were married on July 7, 1965. Together, they shared more than 60 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, love, hard work, and family. They went on to have three children: Cristina, Joe, and Sergio.

Joe began his lifelong career as a baker at City Bakery, later joining Aramark’s food services division in 1972. Throughout his 40-year career, he served at several university dining facilities, beginning at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State), then at Baylor University, and concluding his career at Trinity University. Joe retired in 2012 as a master baker whose skill was admired by all who had the joy of tasting his creations. Even in retirement, he continued to bake for family, friends, and special events. His mint brownies and German chocolate cakes became legendary among all who knew him.

Joe’s love for life extended beyond the kitchen. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, and marveling at the beauty of the world around him. With his beloved wife Yolanda, he was blessed to travel to places such as Israel, Italy, Ecuador, and the Bahamas—journeys he treasured and recounted with deep appreciation and wonder.

Though a quiet man, Joe possessed a profound wisdom and gentle spirit that drew people to him. Many sought his counsel, comfort, and guidance. He will be remembered for his kindness, soft-spoken nature, his quick and witty sense of humor, and the sense of peace he brought to those around him. Above all, Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His love for his family was unwavering, and he made everyone feel welcomed and embraced as part of his own.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Luisa and Guadalupe Sr.; his brothers Guadalupe Jr. and Peter; and his beloved son Sergio. He is survived by his devoted wife Yolanda; his daughter Cristina and her husband Walter Ponfick; his son Joe; his grandchildren Brittany, Megan, Jacob-Daniel Vargas, and Anna Goates; and his great-grandson, Noah Goates. Also cherishing his memory are his siblings Amelia (Robert) Ortiz, Gilbert (Hortencia) Vargas, Sheila (Eliberto) Medina, Rudy Sr. (Anna) Vargas, and Esther Medina; his sisters-in-law Juanita Hinojosa and Soledad (Rogelio) Perez; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Resolute Hospital and Hope Hospice for their compassionate care. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1765 Old Marion Rd, New Braunfels, TX. Joe’s ashes will be interred at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Cemetery.

Joe’s life was one of quiet strength, unwavering love, and enduring faith. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.