Surrounded by family, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and friend, Michael L Baca on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

Michael was born in Las Vegas, NM, to Santiago J. and Chonita L. Baca on June 14, 1957 and was a lifelong resident. He was preceded in death by his parents, Santiago and Chonita, older brother, Ernest James Baca, younger brother Mark David Baca, and nephew Lonnie Dewayne Baca.

He was a Catholic and lifelong member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM. He attended Hilton Our Lady of Sorrows School for 6 years and was a graduate of West Las Vegas High School, class of 1976.

Michael is survived by his son, Michael James Baca Jr. (Leticia), daughter, Samantha Baca (Tarik), mother of his children, Theresa Medina, grandchildren, Ezekiel, and Jazmin Baca, and Taylynn and Tarik Embrack Jr., brothers, Carlos Baca, Victor J Baca (Marylin), Jonas Baca (Geraldine), Hubert Baca, sisters, Yvonne Baca (Tony), and Frances Gonzales, sister-in-law, Geraldine Baca, close nephews, Bryan Baca, Joshua Baca (Jen), Lucas Baca (Rachel), Andres Gonzales (Gabby), and Nicholas Gonzales, and nieces Janis (Rudy), and Jovanna, nephews Marcus, and Santana, and numerous other nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Michael was employed by the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute as a security guard, and retired after 25 years of service. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, and was joyfully referred to as "G-Hat" by his grandson Ezekiel. He also faithfully cheered on his West Las Vegas Dons throughout the years.

Michael was full of life and it centered around his children and grandchildren. He loved spending any time he had with them. He especially enjoyed July 4th fiestas, where early on in Michael Jr's., and Samantha's life, he had one of the best neighborhood firework shows, and Christmas, where he couldn't wait to decorate his home and have "Santa Claus" visit his children. On Saturdays when not with his children and grandchildren, he would spend it at the flea market with family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, attending local sporting events, and watching boxing events and sports on TV. He had a great collection of Muhammed Ali memorabilia and enjoyed small woodworking hobbies as well. A proud Father and Grandfather, he loved taking pictures and was eager to show anyone he encountered photos of his children and grandchildren. He was full of joy and laughter, and no matter how many times he cracked the same joke, it was funny. He was always there to lend a helping hand or just stand back and give direction. He will be greatly missed.

Rosary services will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 7:00 pm, and will be recited by Los Hermanos; Funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 9:00 am, with Father Rob Yaksich as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery where he will be laid to rest in the family plot next to his parents, older brother and nephew, with the following serving as Pallbearers; Tarik Embrack, Lucas Baca, Andres Gonzales, Nicholas Gonzales, Bryan Baca, and Tony Dimas. Honorary Pallbearers are Grandchildren Ezekiel and Jazmin Baca and Taylynn and Tarik Embrack Jr.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425 3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

We invite you to visit our website at www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.

If sending the family a sympathy card via our online service you may mail the card directly to the family by clicking "Send to Family Address".