Jesse L. Bargas

Jesse Lee Bargas was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, son, and brother. He passed away early in the morning on Friday, June 23, 2023, at the age of 64. Jesse passed peacefully in his sleep at his home with his wife, Mary Bargas, after a brief battle with cancer. Jesse was born in Groton, Connecticut on February 13, 1959, to Paul V. Bargas and Frances “Bunny” P. Bargas. Jesse and his family moved to Hawaii in the fall of 1964 and, finally, to Topeka, Kansas in June of 1970. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1977 and married the love of his life, Mary May, on May 22, 1982. Together, they had four children, Emily, Jamie, Jesse, and Elaina. In his early life, Jesse enjoyed spending time with his brothers and friends as a part of The Boy Scouts of America, where he only reached the rank of Tenderfoot. He much preferred spending time with friends and camping over earning merit badges and advancing rank. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Mary, in 1975 and they spent much of their time with friends and family – partying and living life to the fullest. Jesse spent most of his life working as a cook, first at Taco Pete's, then Presbyterian Manor, followed by Knights of Columbus, and Engroffs. He finally began working in the kitchen at Plaza West Healthcare & Rehab Center where he worked for nearly 30 years, starting on June 15, 1994. Jesse had a notorious sweet tooth, often enjoying late night honey buns smothered in butter, and raspberry Zingers. He rarely backed down from a DIY home project, or an opportunity to make a good (bad) dad joke. Jesse is preceded in death by his father, Paul V. Bargas; and brothers, Paul V. Bargas Jr., and Jaydee Bargas. Jesse is survived by his wife, Mary Bargas; children, Emily Lewis (Joel Lewis), Jamie Preisner (James Preisner), Jesse D. Bargas (Elise Bargas), and Elaina Liby (Aubrey Liby); grandchildren, Neako Lewis, Houston Lewis, Luca Bargas, and Malia Preisner; mother, Frances “Bunny” Bargas; brother, Pat Bargas; and one aunt; numerous in-laws; cousins; nieces; nephews; and loved ones. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the funeral home. Celebration of Life to follow at Lake Shawnee Event Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jesse Bargas Memorial Fund and can be made out to the love of his life, Mary Bargas. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Jesse L. Bargas

February 13, 1959 - June 23, 2023