Michael “Mikey” Baca, 44, of Amarillo, TX passed away on December 19, 2021.
A celebration of life will be at 1:00 P.M., Friday, December 24, 2021, in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Mikey was born in Las Vegas, NM on November 11, 1977, to Maria Lucinda “Lucy” Baca and Benito Abel Chavez. He graduated from Pojoaque Valley High School in Pojoaque, NM.
Mikey moved to Amarillo in 2002 to pursue a chance at a better life. He worked for the City of Amarillo as a WasteWater Operator for 16 years, where he had the opportunity to meet many of his greatest friends. Although Mikey didn’t get the chance to marry or have kids, his time was abundantly filled with love for his family, friends, dogs, and hobbies. He loved to grill on his discada (often with automotive grease-stained hands) that he created as part of his graduation from a welding course through the city of Amarillo. He was always in the garage tinkering with one of his three prized possessions: his 1979 Cadillac, 1979 Jeep, or his lifted, red Chevy truck. Mikey, AKA “Big Mike”, treasured the time spent cruising the streets of Amarillo in his hopping Cadillac as a member of the Nuestro Estilo car club.
Mikey’s family is proud to say he was about to celebrate conquering one year of sobriety from alcohol. This was his greatest accomplishment, and he was proud of finally overcoming a lifelong dependence.
Mikey was a servant at heart, always willing to do anything for his loved ones without hesitation. He was a man full of life, love, and encouragement. He will forever be remembered by his loved ones as the most loving and giving man in their lives.
Survivors include his mother, Lucy Baca and partner Faustino Gandara-Jimenez, of Hernandez, NM; grandmother, Mariquita (Mary) Garcia; brothers, Fred Baca and wife Maria of Hernandez, NM, Joseph Baca and wife Diane of Los Alamos, NM, Victor Baca and wife Nicole, of Amarillo, TX; half-siblings, Joe Chavez and wife Clara, Charlie Chavez and wife Carol, Tony Chavez and wife Lolly, Albert Chavez and wife Connie, and Grace Ortiz and husband Chris; nieces and nephews, Freddy, Meaghan and partner Kyle, Deanna and partner Jullian, Haylee, Ashley and husband Isaiah, Jovan and wife Karina, and Abbye; great-nieces and great-nephews, Jullian, Marisol, Beya, and Jovan Daniel; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Benito Abel Chavez; and half-brothers, Ray Chavez, Camilo Chavez, and Nick Chavez.
Following the service, the family would like for you to join them for lunch at the South East Event Center located at 8601 Sandlewood.
Please use this link to view the funeral via livestream: https://www.facebook.com/BoxwellBrothersFuneralDirectors/live/
Mikey, we will miss you always,, your smile and loving ways will remain in our memories always,, fly with the Angel’s and your Dad……❤❤Uncle James “Toots”, Auntie Pauline, and Cousins James and Jon
Mike, you will truly be missed homie. Thank you for all the memories. Thank you for being a great co-worker, an inspiration, and most of all a great friend. You may be gone, but never forgotten….🙏
Baca was a good man not only would he give you the shirt off back but help you in what ever you needed all while joking around and giving you a hard time gonna miss you Mike
Mikey was a big, big man, and he left a big, big hole, both as an operator and a man. I didn’t get to know him long, but I miss him.