Benjamin M. Vargas

Benjamin M. Vargas, 70, a cherished father, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday January 13th 2026, at his home with his beloved dog, Nayla, by his side.

Benjamin Marcus Vargas was born December 17, 1955, in Davenport to Henry and Lucy (Juarez) Vargas. He graduated from Central High School, class of 1974 and then from Hamilton Technical School. He was united in marriage to Tammy Smallwood in April of 1979, and together they shared three children.

He was a proud veteran of the Navy, serving from 1982-86. He and his family resided in San Diego, California for many years and later return to Davenport, Iowa.

Prior to his retirement in May 2021, he previously worked as an electrician for McLaughlin before retiring from Oscar Meyer.

He enjoyed watching sports and was a fan of the San Diego Padres, Chargers and Detroit Lions. He cherished the time spent with his family and friends. Ben was a great friend and was close to many retirees from Oscar Meyer. He loved gathering with family at his home. He was always willing to make you a meal and offer you a beer. He was personally frugal while being incredibly generous to others. His girls fondly remember taking many road trips and traveling to baseball games in the summer months. Ben was a dedicated advocate for his son Travis, making sure he got the care and support he needed. Travis and he had a strong connection and special bond over their love for music. Ben will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love and support he gave so freely and the laughter he brought to the lives around him.

Survivors include his daughters Natalie (Matthew) Smith and her children Hayden and Peyton Aleksiejczyk. Sarah Vargas and her children Tyler, Haylie, and Jaden Conger, all of Davenport; son Travis Vargas of Cedar Rapids; sisters Genny (Mike) Appleby of Pennsylvania, Rita (Ken) Vargas of Davenport, Vivian (Tom) Ready of Dubuque, Lydia Vargas of Davenport; brothers Alex (Yolanda) Vargas of Los Angeles, Lupe (Kit) Vargas of Davenport ,Edward Vargas of Davenport; and many nieces and nephews including his sister Sharon’s children Alexis, Karla, and Jacob, with who he had a special bond with.

In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his sister, Sharon Vargas Olsen

Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Burial with military honors will be in National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal. Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to his beloved son Travis to further his treatment and care at R.E.M of Cedar Rapids.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.