Henry Vargas

Henry “Hank” Vargas, 71, of Maryville, went home to Jesus suddenly on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. He was preceded by his parents, Ramon Vargas and Joquina Maldonado, and sister, Doris Velilla. He is survived by beloved family: wife Martha, daughter Tina Michael, son Kevin Vargas (Kristina), nephew Dan Velilla (Kristina), eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, a grand-nephew and a grand-niece, numerous cousins in Puerto Rico, and countless extended family and devoted friends. For Hank, firefighting was a calling. He was a career federal firefighter and EMT at Camp Pendleton Marine Base in California and was Assistant Chief at the Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. He received many awards for Bravery and Uncommon Valor. He taught CPR and First Responder courses for the Red Cross. He served his country in the US Navy, 1968-1974. Hank retired to Maryville in 2014, where he enjoyed hiking, pickleball, traveling, and most of all, time spent with family and friends. Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 9, 2020 at Highland Presbyterian Church with Pastor Dwyn Mounger officiating. The family will receive friends at Highland Presbyterian after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made either to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation (https://www.firehero.org/donate/) or to the American Red Cross. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Henry Vargas please visit our Sympathy Store.