Luis Baeza Jr.

Luis Baeza passed away on August 24, 2022. He peacefully passed surrounded by his family. Luis was born February 9, 1945, in Deming, NM. After completing high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air force in 1962. He worked as an Aircraft Mechanic and Aircraft Crew assigned to the 1st Air Commando Squadron in Pleiku, Vietnam where he served from 1966 - 1967. After his service he attend UTEP and Western New Mexico University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business degree. In 1972, Luis worked for Phelps Dodge Copper Mining Company. He enjoyed a long successful career with Phelps Dodge as the Safety/ Security Manager until he retired in 2008 due to health concerns. Luis was diagnosed in 2008 with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and battled with the condition until receiving lung transplant n 2016. After the transplant, he then had to battle the toll the medications took on his body. He left a trail of smiles and laughter with anyone who met him. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 28 years, Mary Ann Baeza, and his four children, Luis Baeza; Manuel Baeza; Y. Gonzales; Kyle Stanton; and Chalice Baeza. Luis will also be lovingly remembered by his sister, Alice, and her husband Manuel Vargas. Luis was also the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, Emma; Layla; Keith; Larissa; Kaisha; Luis; Maya; Titus; and Izzy, plus 2 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will also be greatly missed by his companion kitty, Sambo Funeral services are Sep. 21,2022 at St Eleanor's Catholic Church, Ruidoso, NM. Rosary and Jesus of Mercy at 10:00 am and Mass at 11:00am. Interment at Veterans Cemetery Fort Stanton at 1:00 pm.