Elias J. "Topper" Vargas

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Elias J. “Topper” Vargas, 90, of Davenport, will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be held Friday from 4 until 7p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport with additional visitation at church on Saturday from 9 until the time of the Mass.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church or Café on Vine.

Elias John Vargas was born May 18, 1932 in Davenport, Iowa, a son of Joseph “Jose” and Esperanza “Hope” (Perez) Vargas.  He grew up in Cooks Point and graduated from Davenport High School in 1950.  Topper served our country in the Army during the Korean War. He married Carol J. Carrillo on September 29, 1956.

Topper was a bricklayer for over 60 years in the Quad Cities was a member of Local Brick Layers #6.  He was extremely proud of the work he did, especially building his own home on Kirkwood Blvd where he hosted many Bix 7 parties over the years. Topper was a great provider for his family.

Topper had a generous heart and cherished his large family and would be a constant at his children and grandchildren’s many activities.

He was a member of St. Anthony’s Parish and formerly Sacred Heart Cathedral as wells as a founding member of L.U.L.A.C.

Survivors include his children: Francis (Jeanne) Vargas, Rock Falls, Illinois, Thomas Vargas, Loretta Vargas, both of Davenport, Elias “Kennedy” Vargas, Jr., Lombard, Illinois, David Vargas, Davenport; daughter-in-law, Tracey Vargas, Davenport; grandchildren: Tyler (Rosa), Jamie (Jason), Chelsea, James, Michael, Suzanne, Preston, and Elias; a sister, Alice Ybarra, East Moline; and many nieces and nephews.

Topper was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Vargas, a daughter Andrea Vargas, a granddaughter, Stephanie Vargas, his parents, and many siblings and his Army buddy and honorary family member, Terry Preston.  May they rest in peace.