Sam D. Baca

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, Philip Baca,  “Coach” Sandoval, 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. 85054.

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