Arthur (Art) Vargas 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 27, 2018 in Lompoc, California.  He was born March 21, 1929 to Raphael and Florence Vargas in Norwalk, California.  On January 21, 1951 he married Emily Ramirez in Lompoc, California.

Art enjoyed camping, golfing, running long distance, bicycling, fishing and being with his children and grandchildren.  He especially loved hanging out with his friends, "The River Bottom Boys".

Art was proud of the time he spent in the United States Marine Corp during World War II.  He worked as a mechanic for Beattie Motors Ford for 11 years, owned a Shell gas station for five years and was instrumental in opening Vargas Jewelers in 1974.  The jewelry store is now owned by Emily Vargas-Smith and going strong after 44 years in business.

Art is survived by his former wife and friend, Emily Vargas-Smith, daughters Gloria Vargas of Lompoc, Carmen Vargas of Sacramento, daughter in-law Tami Vargas of Lompoc,  his eight grandchildren Vanessa Vargas, Ruben Terrones II,  Alyssa Foltz, Nathan Fields, Ryan and Allison Vargas, Tedi and Madi Hotchkiss, fourteen great-grandchildren, Ruben III, Veronica, Isaac, Ivan, David, Alivia, Emily, Roman, Nicholas, Abriella, Nathan, Elizabeth, Boston and Ryder, one great-great grandson Aiden Wilson as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his dearly loved son, Arthur Vargas Jr. who passed away suddenly in 2009.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10 am at La Purisima Catholic Church with burial at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery following. A celebration of life honoring Art will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 1-4 pm at Schulyer's River Bottom.