Esequiel Emilo Baca

Esequiel "Kelly"Emilio Baca 68,

Beloved brother, uncle & friend passed away on

August 5, 2022 in Farmington New Mexico. Kelly was born on June 18, 1954 in Springerville, Arizona, he was the oldest of three children born to Esequiel Sr. and Amelia J. Baca. Kelly was told his senior year he would not be able graduate so he proudly joined the United States Marines Corp to serve his country. After boot camp he was sent to fight in the Vietnam War. He was awarded 3 Bronze Stars for his heroic service in a combat zone. In 1980 Kelly joined the Army National Guard with the 1404th Trans Co first in Springerville and then out of Show Low Arizona. He became a Staff Sargent for his unit while fighting in Desert Storm. Kelly was also the last in his unit to come home from Desert Storm.

Kelly was a very proud lifetime-member of both the VFW and the American Legion. He was a member of the Elks Lodge of Farmington NM. Kelly was an avid horseman.

He was an old soul he loved & collected many classic cars in his lifetime, Kelly loved listening to the "oldies." If you knew Kelly, you knew him to be a very quiet man who kept to himself. But he was always ready to help a friend. He was heroic, kind, loving, genuine, always had a funny saying to say, and he was an amazing dancer. He was a Proud Marine who fought for the freedoms for all of us and the US Flag, he felt it was a true honor. He never thought twice about going to war, he once said when asked if he would to go to war again, "I would go again, I'm not scared."

Kelly is survived by his brother Fernando Baca, Eagar Az his nephew Kainan (Brenda) Baca great- nieces (Brises & Aeriella) Odessa TX. His sister Abbey (Dean) Walker nieces Fallon Walker, Eagar Az, Tonya (Brendan) Cluff great-nieces & nephews (Brandon, Kaydin, Brielle, Jaxon, Brynlee,& Kellin)Snowflake, Nephew Dino (Melody) Walker great-nieces and nephew (Raelie, Clover, & Nicolas) Springerville. He was dearly loved by us all. We will forever miss Kelly and are very proud of the True Patriot he was.

Kelly is preceded in death by his parents and niece Kelley Rochelle Baca as well his faithful service dog "Bambina."

Services will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Springerville, Az. Rosary will be held Monday, October 24, 2022 @ 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, October 25, 2022 @ 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans in Kelly's honor. Kelly is in the care of Farmington Funeral Home.