Vincent Aragon, age 93, of Springfield, MO, passed away on February 16, 2024, at his home. Vince was born to Vincent Aragon and Rufina Gurule on March 30, 1930, in Cimarron, New Mexico. He graduated from Raton High School in 1948. Vince was united to marriage to Sherian Kay on August 21, 1978, in Miami, Oklahoma. Vince and Sherian shared 45 years of marriage together. Vince had three biological children prior to their marriage, Theresa Sampson, Vince Aragon and Victoria Thompson and gained three more by marriage, who carry his legacy: Kelly Ruise, Kathee Cockrum, and Connie Combs. His legacy is also carried by a host of grandkids, great-grandkids, and extended family in the Native American Community. When asked how he defined his family, it was never about blood. Rather, it was about soul and love. He had a lot of love to give, and that will never truly leave us.
Vince knew many trades and skills. He retired from Springfield Healthcare and Rehab Center as a maintenance technician. He was a vibrant, strong-willed, and hard-working man. He was constantly moving and full of life even into his final years. He would work on cars, attend classes and Pow-wows at the American Indian Center of Springfield, which he cofounded, or just enjoy the company of the many around him who loved him. He made people smile wherever he went, and his belief in the power of community outlives him in the hearts of those whose lives he has changed. He attended Passion Assembly church on Sundays, dancing to the hymns with a true love for music. He was selfless to a fault, and any time someone visited him they left with something
more. He’s the kind of man who is hard to put into words. He was simply more than whatever can be written here. He was truly special. Everyone who met him was his friend regardless of age, background, or class.
Vince was proceeded in death by his parents, Vincent Aragon and Rufina Gurule; two sisters, Gladys and Angelina; two brothers, Bill and Manuel; and two children, Michael and Victor.
Vince’s funeral service, officiated by Pastor Billy Cockrum, will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2022, 11a.m., at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. Friends and family are encouraged to make a donation in Vince’s memory to the American Indian Center of Springfield. To make a donation, please send a check or money order to:
The American Indian Center of Springfield: 1126 N Broadway Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 or via PayPal at Springfieldindiancenter1@gmail.com. Donors may also leave their contributions in person at the funeral home or at the Indian Center of Springfield.