Travis S. Vargas

Travis S. Vargas, 40, of Marion, Iowa, peacefully passed away surrounded by the love of his family at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Travis Scott Vargas was born September 25, 1985, in San Diego, California, to Benjamin Vargas and Tammy (Smallwood) Vargas. He was the youngest of three siblings.

He attended Truman and Fillmore Elementary in Davenport, Iowa, and graduated from the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, Iowa, in 2004. Shortly after that, Travis moved to Marion, Iowa, where for the last 20 plus years he was loved and cared for by Keli Gauvin and the dedicated staff at REM Community Services.

Travis also worked at RDS REM Day Services in Hiawatha, Iowa, where he was spoiled daily by the staff who cared for him deeply. During the summer months, Travis attended Camp Courageous, which he called “Camp Rageous.”

Travis lived without fear when it came to water. He loved swimming and would dunk his entire head under the water, popping back up with a roar of laughter.

He touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing him with his contagious laugh, love of music, and big hugs.

From a young age, he was passionate about music. Travis mesmerized people with his knack for hearing just two notes of a song and being able to name it. From tapping on the stroller to the beat of a song to jamming out on bongos, Travis was nothing short of amazing.

He was loved by so many, but he was truly the blessing. His laughter and singing would fill a room. He would gently run his hands over your face or take your hand and call out your name. He also never forgot a voice.

Travis had a deep connection with his mother. As a baby, even without sound or direction, he was able to crawl to her and find her. He loved big hugs from his mom and would stop every couple feet to ask for one. Those hugs were just many ways he showed his love.

He also shared a special connection with his late father through their shared love of music. Travis had endless CDs to choose from and found great joy in switching from song to song and CD to CD.

Travis enjoyed his biweekly rock and roll road trips with his stepdad. He loved all kinds of music, from Def Leppard to Shania Twain.

Travis loved Jesus and always knew when it was Sunday. He enjoyed listening to the gospel. You would often have to go turn down his radio because he would turn it up as loud as he could to hear the preaching.

Travis was preceded in death by his father, who we believe was waiting for him with open arms to receive one of his big hugs.

While Travis’s time with us was far too short, the impact was immense. We will carry him in our hearts until we meet again, where he can see the beauty of heaven and be at peace with Jesus.

Travis was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Vargas. He is survived by his mother, Tammy (Smallwood) Duett, and stepfather, Todd Duett; his sister Natalie (Matt) Smith and sister Sarah Vargas; stepsister, Brittney Duett; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Tyler, Haylie, Jaden Conger, Hayden, and Peyton Aleksiejczyk. Nate Duett.

Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held at noon on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Burial will follow at Davenport Memorial Park.

Visitation will be from 2-4pm on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family .