Deming, New Mexico
1945 - 2021 (Age 75)
Sam D. Baca
Deming - Sam D. Baca, 75, longtime Deming resident and businessman peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The rosary will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM, officiated by Fr. Ron Machado. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM celebrated by Fr. Prakasham Babu and Fr. Ron Machado, followed by concluding services and interment with military honors at Mt. View Cemetery. Due to capacity restrictions, church services will be live streamed. To view additional details about Sam D. Baca's Services, including any available live streams:
https://my.gather.app/remember/sam-d-baca
Sam was born February 15, 1945 in Faywood, NM to Eduardo and Elena Dominguez Baca. He attended the Cobre School system continued his education at Western New Mexico University. He served in the United States Army and after being discharged he went to the California College of Mortuary Science in Los Angeles, California graduating in 1970. His dedication to funeral service brought about the purchase of Wheeler Mortuary in 1975, followed by the establishment of Baca's Heather Funeral Home in Lordsburg, NM, Baca's Funeral Chapel in Silver City, NM and Baca's Funeral Chapel in Las Cruces, NM; along with New Mexico Granite and Marble Company and Mimbres Crematory.
He served as Mayor of Deming for 20 years, was a past board member of Deming Public Schools, the New Mexico Board of Funeral Service and was very active with the Community Development Block Grant program for our local area.
On October 13, 1983 he became an advisory director for First New Mexico Bank and was appointed a full director on March 14, 1985, for a total of 36 years on the board.
He was proud to serve on the board of the Help in Healing Foundation at the Village at Mayo Clinic.
He was a dedicated Catholic and had a lifelong dream of refurbishing his childhood church in San Jose, NM. Along with the help of former parishioners, family members and friends he was instrumental in accomplishing his dream.
He is survived by his brother, Fernando "Buddy" Baca of Deming, numerous nieces and nephews and professional family. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Eduardo and Elena Baca; sisters Clara and Nora; and brothers Adan, Ramon, and Julian.
Pallbearers will be Paul Baca, "Coach" Sandoval, Tony Saenz, Max Eddings, Jesse Valencia, and Ricardo Molina. Honorary pallbearers are his fellow Directors from First New Mexico Bank: G.G. Gore, Dr. John Lundy, Teresa Molina, Richard Patterson, Jakub Sherman, and Gary Shiflett, along with close colleague John Strand and very good friend Olivina Ortiz.
In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to Help in Healing Home Foundation at the Village at Mayo clinic, 5811 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix AZ. 85254.
Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels and Mimbres Crematory. Exclusive provider for "Veterans & Family Memorial Care". To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com.
811 S. Gold Ave., Deming, NM 88030. Phone: 575.546.9671
Sam, you were very loved in Deming and I know that you will be missed immensely. Thank you for being there for my grandmother Maria, for my aunts Mary, Hope Hernandez, my parents, for my in-laws just for everyone. You were so kind, thoughtful, and a man of integrity. May you be walking on the streets of gold with God at your side and being welcomed into heaven, RIP.
Sincerely,
Dolores Martinez
Dolores Martinez
January 23, 2021 | Friend
My deepest Condolences to my Baca & Salaiz Family from Johnny Joe and Jami Salaiz. Uncle Sam you will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for being such an amazing role model and Uncle. Your amazing smile will be truly missed. Until we meet again, love you Tío.
Johnny Joe & Jaimi Salaiz
Johnny Joe Salaiz
January 23, 2021 | Family
To the Baca Family and Community of Deming, Sam leaves a legacy of positive experiences for all of us who knew him and even those who did not know him. I am blessed to have known Sam for many years. When I first met him in 1983, he taught me how important funeral homes, mortuaries, and crematories are to our communities. He was a leader in this industry. He was a proud Veteran and proud American. He loved people and always took time to help those in need. His calm leadership helped make...
Christina Chavez Kelley
January 23, 2021 | Las Cruces, NM | Friend
On behalf of the Manuel Salaiz family we offer our most heart felt condolences to the Baca Family. May he rest in peace and until we meet again!
Manuel Salaiz
January 23, 2021 | San Juan, NM | Friend
May you Rest In Peace Sam Baca and may the perpetual light shine upon you. I pray for comfort for family and friends. My condolences.
Gloria Lopez
January 23, 2021 | Friend
Growing up in Deming, i will always remember Sam Baca. Thank you for your dedication to community service and your caring and compassionate spirit. Rest in Peace
Kimberly Gutierrez
January 23, 2021 | Chandler, AZ | Acquaintance
Sam you'll be missed down in the valley of Mumbres/ Heywood & family.
Debbie L. Juarez
Debra Juarez
January 23, 2021 | Family
You will be missed by your family in Heywood nm.
Debra Juarez
January 23, 2021 | Family
Met Sammy when I was a small child in Southern California through my parents Gumie and Sally Rodriguez. We would see Sammy at funerals only because that was his profession and he was also very kind to us all at both grandparents funerals. Now our dear friend Sammy has been called home. On behalf of my family..Gumie and Sally Rodriguez (Pacheco) Michael, Manny and Gumie we express our deepest sympathy to all of the Baca Family. Aloha Sammy and may you fly high above us all in your kind...
MANNY RODRIGUEZ
January 22, 2021 | Ewa Beach, HI | Friend