BACA, Antonio

Douglas Dispatch (AZ) - Thursday, January 3, 2013 Deceased Name: Antonio (Tony) Ray Baca "…A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things…'" Matthew 12:35 (NKJV) December 30, 2012, Antonio (Tony) Ray Baca unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord from his home in Bisbee, AZ. Tony was born on March 1, 1957 in Deming, NM to Antonio P and Dora Bravo Baca. Tony moved to Arizona shortly after graduating High School starting his career with the Arizona Department of Corrections in 1978, serving at the Safford/Ft. Grant, Tucson, Lewis and Douglas Complexes. Tony worked his way through the Security Chain of Command, promoting to Warden of the Douglas Complex two years ago. When asked when he was going to retire, he would often respond "when I quit loving what I do." The love for his job was apparent in his work ethic, professionalism and dedication. He was a skilled tracker, wild land firefighter and prison administrator. He is loved by many he had the honor to work alongside and he freely and humbly returned that love. Tony and his wife Anita moved to Bisbee in 2004. Tony often expressed his love for his home saying he was blessed to live in a town so special that people want to visit for the welcoming, relaxing atmosphere and beauty—where they come to get away from it all. Tony enjoyed sittin' a good horse, roping, riding his bicycle, hiking in the mountains and hunting with his boys and closest friends. He loved spending time with his three devoted dogs. He was a strong man of faith who loved his family, friends and co-workers with undying loyalty. Tony touched the lives of everyone he met. He was an example for us all. Though the people in his life would love to have more time with him, our lives are forever changed for the better through him. Tony was preceded in death by his mother Dora Baca in 1975. He is survived by his wife Anita of Bisbee; two sons Tony (Jennifer) Baca of Sahuarita, AZ and Raymond (Ashley) Baca of Amarillo, TX; four granddaughters, Raveyn, Neveah, Cadence and Taylor; two grandsons, Tony and Jaxon; his father Antonio P. Baca and stepmother Nora Baca of Silver City, NM; two sisters, Linda Lara of Aurora, CO and Nancy Baca-Stepan (Joseph) of St. Louis, MO: four nephews, one niece, many cousins, in-laws, friends and co-workers. Viewing is scheduled at Calvary Chapel, Sierra Vista, 1155 E Wilcox, Sierra Vista, AZ on Saturday, January 5, 2012 at 9AM, with services in his honor scheduled at 10AM. The family requests the honor of attendees' presence at a fellowship reception at noon(ish) at the VFW Post 836, 1326 W Hwy 92, Bisbee, AZ. Pallbearers include his sons Antonio Ray Baca Jr and Raymond Baca, supported with dear friends Phillip Elliott, Nelson Elliott, RJ Estes, Stevie Flores, Charles Bishop, and Render Gregory. Care entrusted to Alex Espinosa Bisbee Funeral Home, 1094-HWY 92, BISBEE, AZ 85603, 520-432-4242. Contributions in Tony's honor can be made to VFW Post 836 in Bisbee, AZ in thanks for their providing the reception or to one of Tony's favorite charities which include the Boys and Girls Club of Bisbee and the Bisbee Coalition for the Homeless. "…This is my beloved, and this is my friend…'" Song of Solomon 5:16 (KJV)