Anthony "Tony" Vargas

Anthony “Tony” Vargas, age 82, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Saturday evening, March 9, 2024, in Topeka. 

He was born the son of Francisco, Sr., and Marie (Villafranco) Vargas on May 8, 1941, in Topeka.

Anthony attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School and graduated from Hayden High School. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree at St. Benedicts College in Atchison, KS, and furthered his education at Kansas State University, obtaining his master’s degree. 

On January 21, 1967, he married his beloved wife, Linda K. Cruz at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage. 

After college, Anthony started his lifelong passion and career with different aspects of public education. He worked many years as the director of classified personnel. He also served as the last principal for Sumner Elementary and retired as the principal for Avondale West Elementary School. Anthony excelled at teaching and leading staff at the different locations he served.

Anthony was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where he and his family volunteered for Fiesta Mexicana throughout many years. He also volunteered as a coach for various local sports teams and was a longtime board member for Super Chief Credit Union, now known as Envista Credit Union. In his spare time, Anthony enjoyed cheering on his beloved K-State Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. He was a car enthusiast and had an extensive collection of Coca Cola memorabilia. His greatest times included spending time with his family, going on casino trips and spending time watching tv and movies. 

Survivors include his loving wife of the home, Linda K. Vargas; son, Tony Vargas, Jr. and his wife Kerry; three daughters, Stella Vargas, Carlene Vargas, and Christie Vargas; as well as two cherished granddaughters, Ava and Mia Vargas. Other survivors include his two sisters, Rose Ramos and Mary Mosquera; brother-in-law, Steven Dominguez; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Francisco Vargas, Jr.; and two sisters, Stella Florez and Mary Alice Dominguez. 

Anthony will lie in state from 4-7:00 P.M., on Sunday, March 17, 2024, with a rosary at 5:30 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Monday, March 18, 2024. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Anthony's memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.