Clarence Joseph Baca

Clarence "CJ" Baca was born a lightweight weighing in at only 4 lbs versus the world at home in a little town called Contreras, just an hour away from Albuquerque, NM.

Clarence was preceded in death by his mother and father, Domingo and Carmen Baca. Also by his sister, Celene Barnett and his first born son with Frances, Adam Baca. CJ devoted his life to his faith, family and his wife Frances Baca of fifty-two years. A proud and loving father to daughter, Andrea Baca and son, Jerome Baca. Clarence had a tender and special place in his heart for his "grandson" Anthony. He was the middle child of four sisters, Louisa Telles, Celene Barnett, Pita Maldonado, and Mary Baca.

CJ and his family moved back and forth between Contreras and Barelas before ending up on Glendale Rd. in west central Albuquerque, NM. Clarence attended Albuquerque High School where he enjoyed recreational activities such as R.O.T.C. and basketball. He graduated in 1970 and very soon after, he married the love of his life Frances Cox on August 6th of 1971. Within a couple of months of being married and having such a low draft number of four he decided to enlist in the army. He was given an honorable discharge due to the fact of him being the only son in his family and his father having multiple heart attacks. Being that loving son, he came back from his duty to his country and now carried the duty of his family on his shoulders.

He was a diligent man in every thing he did. He was meticulous, thorough and patient, dedicating his life to be the rock and provider for his family. He achieved this by being a loyal employee with the PNM Electric Company for over fifty years. Starting at the bottom of the company in the mail room and then enrolling in school to advance as a journeyman. He believed in the power of hard work and education, even attending Texas A&M to further his knowledge. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Clarence never gave up and always persevered while advancing towards his goals at work. Outside of his career, Clarence held his wife, children and grandson as his number one priority and would move mountains to make them happy. As a young man Clarence loved his white 1964 Chevy Malibu SS with cherry red interior. He enjoyed playing basketball for recreation and in different leagues around the city. CJ cherished playing basketball with his buddies, going on drives with friends and family, and coaching his son, Jerome, in church and city basketball leagues, Royal Ranger box car races, camping trips and fishing with his grandson Anthony. He had a passion for food and loved breaking bread with loved ones, often taking his co-workers to his favorite restaurants or bringing their favorite foods back to the shop. Clarence was the type of man that wanted all those around him to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves.

CJ attended multiple churches throughout his life in Albuquerque. He was devout in his faith and a true follower of Christ. Clarence was baptized in 1982 at Faith Chapel and then rededicated his life to the Lord at Calvary of Albuquerque in 2005. CJ lived out his faith and obedience to the Lord by his actions and by the way he treated people. He always led his family and loved ones by example, the type of man that would give you the shirt off his back, literally. His family is forever blessed for having him as a lead prayer warrior. Our dad never forgot to lead us in prayer before meals. Clarence was known for his selflessness and putting others before himself. It was just who he was, meek, kindhearted and non-confrontational.

Clarence battled stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer for over a year and departed from his earthly body peacefully on January 11th, 2024 at 4:04pm in Albuquerque, NM at the age of 72. CJ was surrounded by his loving family as he passed from this world to his forever home with our Lord. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and co-workers. Clarence will be forever remembered for his generosity and his kindness to those around him. May the LORD bless him in the second half of his life, even more than in the beginning.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations being made to Frances Baca.

A celebration of Clarence's life will be held on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, at 10am at French Funeral & Cremation, located at 9300 Golf Course Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. Following the service, a gathering will take place at The Office Bar and Grill at 1:30pm, located at 10035 Country Club Ln. N.W.

The Baca family would like to express their gratitude to family and friends for all their prayers and support during this difficult time. We would also like to thank Pastor Tom Pearson/Co-Pastor Camelia Pearson of Restoration Life Ministries and French Funeral & Cremation for their guidance at a time like this