Frank (Pancho) Baca passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the Abrazo Heart Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.
Frank was born on Feb. 29, 1944 in Wagon Mound, N.M., to Benino and Mary Baca. As a young man, Frank attended school in Springer, N.M., graduating from high school in 1968.
Frank is preceded in death by his mother, Mary; father, Benino; and first wife, Helen.
He leaves behind his two brothers, Benny and Albert, and his sister Doreen.
While in high school, Frank played basketball for three years in Springer, N.M., he was also known for his track and field abilities which he was involved in for four years in high school. His talent and ability gained him the title of State Class B for three consecutive years.
During his early years in New Mexico he worked in a boy’s school in Springer as a correctional officer. He also worked in Raton, N.M. as a maintenance man in a welding shop.
Frank’s first marriage to Helen gave birth to three children; Anthony Baca, who resides in Springer, N.M. and two daughters, Rosie Baca and Debbie Urguijo, both living in Colorado Springs.
Frank’s second marriage to Rose Baca from Globe had two sons, Joe Baca who lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., and David Baca who resides in Globe. Currently his brothers Benny Baca resides in Springer, N.M., and Albert (Chris) Baca in Rio Rancho, N.M., his sister Doreen Brown resides in El Paso, Texas.
Frank and Rose Baca moved to Globe in 1969. Frank enlisted in the National Guard, serving both in New Mexico and Arizona. His work in Arizona lead him to work for Don Harrington Trucking Company in Globe. He then worked at the Blue Bird Mine, Cobre Valley Motors, Healy Auto and McSpadden Ford.
While working at Healy Auto Sales, he branched out, working for Gila County as a welder fabricator. Later he was employed as a security guard at the Carlota mines. He also worked at Cecil’s Trucking.
Frank’s hobbies were to go fishing and loved to attend the car shows and car races. He was also a flag man at the Globe-Miami Speedway for four years.
Frank will be greatly missed.
Frank’s memorial services are scheduled to be held at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 201 S. Broad St., Globe, on April 13 at 10 a.m. Luncheon will follow at Holy Angels Hall.
