Manuel Raymond Baca

A Life Well Lived and Forever Cherished

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Manuel Baca who left us peacefully on November 18th at home in Newberry Springs, CA. Manuel fought cancer for 8 years. He fought a good fight with a positive attitude and never complained. He touched so many people in his life. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and a true friend to many. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Early Life and Family

Manuel was born on June 26, 1954 to Vidal and Petrita Baca in Barstow, CA. He grew up in Barstow surrounded by family and friends who helped shape the remarkable man he became. He graduated from Barstow high school in 1972. He attended college at Barstow community College. His childhood was filled with laughter, learning, and love. Manuel was raised with 6 brothers and sisters; Greg, Mercy, Jeremiah, Ralph, Rosemary, and his twin brother Paul and his niece Sheila. He also had an extended family with the Ruckers, Frank and Thelma, Theresa, Rodney and Rhonda and their families. He met the love of his life, Pansy Ann, in May 1984. They were together for 4 years before marrying September 11, 1988. They had 41 wonderful years together. Together they built a home filled with warmth and joy. They have 14 children together. Terry and wife Rebecca, Adrian and wife Rachael, Melinda and husband Michael, Paul Gabriel, Jennifer and husband Jon, Tiffany and husband Keith, Morgan, Sean, Destiny and husband Anthony, Stephanie, Frank James, Sara, Joey, and David. Together they had many grandchildren, Alex, Lexi, Katarina, Kassian, Enya, Abriana, Jasmine, Adelina, Julius, Julian, Gabriel, Angelo, Jared, Serenity, Jesse, Olivia, Zachary, Reese, Lilli, Alexis and Christopher. They have 3 great grandchildren, Jonathan, Alexander, and Alaia. Manuel was also blessed with many, many truly good friends.

Career and Community

Manuel worked several jobs after high school until he gained employment at Santa Fe Railway (now BNSF). He retired from the railroad in 2014 after 38 years. Manuel was also a Reserved Sheriff Deputy from March 1984 to August 2008 for the San Bernardino County Sheriffs in Barstow. During this time he was also a volunteer member of The Barstow Mounted Posse and Barstow Search and Rescue Team. We might add that Manuel was a Cowboy. He roped with Frank Rucker and Lynn Lytle among others. He loved his horses and his cows, almost as much as he loved his kids, almost, but not quite. Throughout his life, Manuel was known for his dedication, integrity and his kindness to everyone who crossed his path. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and always found time to lend a helping hand to neighbors and community members. Manuel and his wife Ann did foster care for over 50 children. His legacy includes not only professional achievements but also countless acts of generosity and kindness. Manuel was a Christian and had a strong faith in God.

Passions and Interests

Manuel’s passions ranged from Ranching, golfing, traveling, collecting antiques to spending quality time with family and friends, sharing stories, and celebrating life's milestones.

Legacy

He is survived by his loving family: Wife Ann, Children Terry and wife Rebecca, Adrian and wife Rachael, Melinda and husband Michael, Paul Gabe, Jennifer and husband Jon, Tiffany and husband Keith, Morgan, Sean, Destiny and husband Anthony, Stephanie, Frank James, Sara, Joey, and David. Grandchildren , Alex, Lexi, Katarina, Kassian, Enya, Abriana, Jasmine, Adelina, Julius, Julian, Gabriel, Angelo, Jared, Serenity, Jesse, Olivia, Zachary, Reese, Lilli, Alexis and Christopher. Great Grandchildren, Jonathan, Alexander, and Alaia. As well as many extended relatives and dear friends. His spirit will continue to inspire us, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. He is preceded in death by his parents Vidal and Petrita, brother Greg and his wife Dolores, Brother Ralph, son David, and grandson Julian.