Esequiel "Kelly" Emilio Baca, Jr.

Esequiel “Kelly”Emilio Baca Jr. (SSG), beloved brother, uncle and friend passed away,

August 5, 2022 in Farmington, New Mexico. Kelly was born June 18, 1954 in Springerville, Arizona and was the oldest of three children born to Esequiel Sr. and Amelia Baca.

Kelly proudly joined the United States Marines Corp to serve his country. After boot camp he was sent to the Vietnam War. In 1980 Kelly joined the Army National Guard with the 1404^th Trans Co. and in 1991 his unit was sent to Desert Storm. While serving in both these wars Kelly received 3 Bronze Stars for his heroic duties in a combat zone among other commendations and earned the rank of SSG. Kelly was the last in his unit to come home from Desert Storm. 

Kelly was a Catholic and proud lifetime member of both the VFW and the American Legion. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Farmington New Mexico. Kelly is best described as a true cowboy and an avid horseman. He was an old soul, loved & collected many classic cars in his lifetime and loved listening to the “oldies” and watch old sitcoms. He was a quiet hero that was kind, loving and genuine. He was always witty and always had quick funny sayings; he was an amazing dancer. He was a proud Marine, a patriot who fought for the freedoms for all of us and loved America and the US flag. He always felt it was a true honor. 

Kelly is survived by one brother, Fernando Baca, Eagar; nephew, Kainan (Brenda) Baca, great nieces Brises & Aeriella, Odessa Texas; sister, Abbey (Dean) Walker, nieces, Fallon Walker, Eagar; Tonya (Brendan) Cluff,  great nieces and  nephews, Brandon, Kaydin, Brielle, Jaxon, Brynlee and Kellin, Snowflake; nephew, Dino (Melody) Walker and great nieces and nephew, Raelie, Clover and Nicolas, Springerville.

With no children of his own, he dearly loved them all and they adored him. 

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, niece, Kelley Rochelle Baca and his faithful service dog, “Bambina.”  

Rosary will be held Monday, October 24, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Springerville. Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans in Kelly’s honor. This is an organization near and dear to Kelly’s heart.

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