Pio V. Vargas

Pio V. Vargas, 95, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 2nd, 2026. He was born on July 11, 1930, in Topeka, Kansas, to Miguel Vargas and Luisa Valdivia Vargas.

Pio proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Winston (AKA-94) and was a proud Korean War veteran. He loved his country deeply and served it with honor and pride.

A devoted Catholic, Pio dedicated his life to his faith, praying the rosary faithfully and serving the church community. He married the love of his life, Adela Vargas, on May 7, 1960, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, love, and family. In his younger years, he was highly involved at Our Lady of Guadalupe and later continued his service at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Pio was a servant leader in every sense of the word. He coached men’s fast-pitch softball at Santa Fe Park, served as a Scout Master, faithfully served with the Fiesta Committee where he led the popcorn stand for 10 years, and was always willing to give his time to others. He worked at Heumann Dental Lab for over 40 years before later becoming a familiar and beloved presence as a parking lot attendant at CoreFirst Bank, where many would stop just to visit him at his booth. He had a gift for greeting people with a warm smile and making everyone’s day brighter. He was also a devoted sports fan who proudly cheered on the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel Vargas and Luisa (Valdivia) Vargas; his brothers, Albert Espinoza, Manuel Espinoza, and Octavio “Tavy” Vargas; and his sister, Maria “Hazel” Martinez and Son in law Ian Mose and Dmitri Melendez.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Adela Vargas; his children, Michael Vargas; Lydia Huizar (husband John Huizar); Olivia Vargas; and Susan Vargas (husband Tom).

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Paul Hanson Mose (wife Melissa Mose), Amanda Marie (Huizar) Barela (husband Amado Barela III), Joseph John Huizar (wife Anna Huizar), Mark Melendez (partner Mickey), Nicolas Melendez, and Lena Maria Mose (partner Evan). His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Layla Marie Barela, Benjamin Mose, Eva Mose, Penelope Mose, and Maya Melendez.

He is further survived by his sister, Francis Chavez (late husband Joe Chavez ); sisters-in-law Angela Villicana (husband Fernando), Elizabeth Romero (husband Joe), Rebecca Hernandez (husband Joe ), and Isabella Vargas (late husband Tavy). His legacy of love extends to many nieces and nephews who will fondly remember his warmth and guidance.

Pio Vargas will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his proud service to his country, his dedication to his church, and his endless love for his family as a husband, dad and papa. He was a man who led by example, served with humility, and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Visitation will be held from 3-6:00 P.M. with a rosary being prayed at 5:30 P.M., on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., on Monday, March 9, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions can be made in Pio's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, sent in care of 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.