Roll Call Tribute

Pablo Julian "P.J." Vargas, Jr. 
June 11, 1969 — May 30, 2023 

Pablo Julian (P.J.) Vargas, Jr., a beloved husband, father and cow-pa, passed away on May 30, 2023 at the age of 53.

P.J. was born on June 11, 1969 in Victoria, Texas to Pablo Julian Vargas, Sr. and Minnie Vargas (Pena). Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, P.J. loved working cows and bailing hay on the family farm with his dad. He adored spending time with his mother and sister, Diana Carrauthers. P.J. graduated from Judson High School in 1987 and attended Palo Alto College.

He moved to Bryan/College Station, Texas in 1990 to attend Texas A&M University to study civil engineering - class of 1992. He was known as the “South Texas Cowboy”, when he worked as disc jockey at KBMA 99.5 La Fabulosa Tejano Radio Station in Bryan, TX.

P.J. met his wife, Dee Dee Vargas, a Bryan native and married in 1996. P.J. and Dee Dee have three children - Desiree Denise Carlin (Vargas), Destinee Denise Vargas, and Pablo (Trey) Vargas, III. They have two grandchildren, Reese Josie Carlin and Carter Steven Carlin. P.J. began his career at Austin Bridge and served 28 years at Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), officially retiring in October of 2020. After retirement, P.J. began VSCI Services, LLC where he served as a consultant.

P.J. never met a stranger, he loved to talk to people and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a public speaker and conducted many emergency management and maintenance supervisor courses for the State of Texas. P.J. loved the Fightin’ Texas Aggies and all of the traditions in which he instilled in his family. He loved to cook whether it be BBQ for tailgates, every dish at Thanksgiving, or baking a cake “just because”, he truly did it all!

P.J. was a parishioner at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Bryan, TX where he taught religious education classes for the youth group. P.J. was very active in the community and with his children. He was appointed to the School Board in 2003, served on the Booster Club for the Bryan High Shy-Anne’s, and was a “Chicken Dinner Dad” from 2005 - 2016 for both of his daughters.

P.J. became a “show-dad” for his son and they traveled around the state for FFA competitions and to show livestock animals. P.J. always had a big smile on his face, loved to hunt, dance and listen to music.

P.J. is preceded in death by his father, P.J. Vargas, Sr., and mother, Minnie Vargas (Pena).

He is survived by wife Dee Dee Vargas; children, Desiree Denise Carlin, (Son-in-law, Nickzon Carlin), Destinee Denise Vargas, and Pablo Julian Vargas, III (Trey); and grandchildren, Reese and Carter Carlin. He is also survived by his sister, Diana Carrauthers, (brother-in-law Chester Carrauthers), as well as nieces, nephews, close relatives and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in P.J.'s name to St. Anthony's Children's Religious Education, 401 S Parker Ave, Bryan, TX 77803.