William Lee "Billy" Baca

Funeral services for William "Billy" Baca, 82, of Giddings, Texas are scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings with Rev. Robert Tiner and Rev. Lee Eschberger officiating. Burial will follow in the Paint Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home. The family will be present on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
William Lee Baca was born on April 1, 1943 in La Grange, Texas to Anton and Esther (Barton) Baca. He was baptized on April 17, 1943 and confirmed Catholic, and later confirmed as an adult with St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Paint Creek. Billy spent his childhood on a dairy farm in LaGrange and graduated in 1961 from LaGrange High School. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University. Billy then served honorably in the US Army Reserves, earning the rank of Sergeant before leaving the service. He married Marilyn Kay Schulz on May 31,1969 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Grange and was blessed with two children, Christie and Steven. Billy worked as a schoolteacher in Bastrop and Paige and then for the Giddings ISD in many roles, serving as a Special Education teacher before retiring. During the summertime, he took on various additional jobs to support his family.
When Billy wasn't working or volunteering with various organizations, he enjoyed hunting with his son, fishing, grilling for family functions, searching for arrowheads and rocks. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren at the beach and traveling to various sporting events, including his favorite, Astros. He also served his family as a "jack of all trades" and was not afraid to try new things. Billy and Marilyn enjoyed casino trips and visiting all 50 United States. As a member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, he enjoyed volunteering with various fundraisers. Billy passed away the morning of Saturday, April 12, 2025 in Georgetown, Texas on a trip with his wife and family.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Esther Baca; one brother, Robert Daniel.
Billy is survived by his wife Marilyn Baca of Giddings; two children, Christie and husband Troy Mitschke of Northrup, and Steven Baca of Giddings; three grandchildren, Jordan and husband Robbie Gillen of Hockley, Brandon Mitschke of Northrup, Joshua Mitschke of Northrup; one great grandson, Hayes Gillen of Hockley; two siblings, Thomas and wife Marguerite Baca of Austin, and Judy McMillen of Austin; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Mitschke, Joshua Mitschke, Robbie Gillen, Russell Schulz, Donnie Schulz, and David Kohler. Honorary pallbearers are Steven Baca, Christie Mitschke, Troy Mitschke, Johnny Hallmark, Jordan Gillen, and Hayes Gillen.
Memorials may be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Paint Creek, Immanuel Lutheran School in Giddings, or to the charity of one's choice.