Joaquin H. Baeza

Joaquin H. Baeza, Jr., 67, beloved father, brother as well as a relative and friend to many, far and near, went home to be with the Lord on January 21, 2025. He was better known as “Tito” to family.

Joaquin was born April 24, 1957, in La Hacienda, Chihuahua, Mexico to Joaquin D. Baeza and Manuela H. Baeza. The family moved to Jal, New Mexico when Joaquin was seven years old. 

Joaquin was a proud father of four children, Brenda, Roger, Cynthia, and Fabian. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Hermelinda and Oralia. Joaquin is survived by his four children: Brenda Derk and her husband Eric, Roger Baeza, Cynthia and her husband Adrian Lizarraga, and Fabian Baeza and his wife Karen. One of Joaquin’s greatest treasures were his seven grandchildren and his great-grandson. He is also survived by his brothers: Manuel Baeza and wife Irene, Carlos Baeza and wife Ann, and Hector Baeza and wife Maria as well as many nieces and nephews who all adored him. 

Joaquin was a hard worker and began working at the young age of 12 at a service station. He worked various jobs throughout his teenage years. He briefly worked for Merryman Construction. In 1977, he became employed with El Paso Natural Gas and remained with the company after being bought out several times and finally retired after 40 years from Energy Transfer.

Joaquin loved to dance and was quite the dancer. He was the life of the party and loved to make everyone around him laugh. He will be remembered by his infectious and one-of-a-kind laugh. If you were ever fortunate and had the privilege of hearing his infectious laughter, then you understand exactly what we mean. 

Another favorite pastime of his was playing poker at family gatherings and even playing conquian (similar to rummy) during his lunch breaks with his dad and brother before he retired. Joaquin loved being surrounded by his family and rarely missed any opportunity to spend time with them. 

Joaquin was always someone who you could count on to be there for you. He had a heart of gold and was a very giving and generous person. One of his greatest joys was helping others.

In most recent years, Joaquin became quite the cook and baker. Anytime he saw someone cooking or baking, he would like to stand over their shoulder to see what little secret ingredient he could take away for his next feast. His specialty was chile con queso (Roger’s Favorite) and peanut butter cookies which he always made extra, extra crispy, exactly the way he liked it. And everything he made, was made with love. This last Thanksgiving, Joaquin stated he was only going to prepare one thing. However, he showed up with not just one, but with two fried turkeys, sweet potato casserole, and an apple dump cake which he prepared all on his own. This was Joaquin, always going above and beyond. 

Joaquin would pass his time taking frequent naps. The family has an abundant supply of photo evidence capturing this pastime. Perhaps he was trying to re-energize for his next adventure. In between his naps, he would visit his family and watch some of his favorite television shows. Family Feud, The Price is Right, old westerns, Naked and Afraid, and anything sports related were some of his favorites. 

Joaquin also loved to travel and was not afraid to travel alone; “because why? Because I can!” he would say. Most recently, he had become quite the world traveler. He was just getting started and had plans to travel more. Well Joaquin, you have made the greatest trip of all, to be with our Lord and Saviour in Heaven. 

Although our father, brother, Tito, uncle, and cousin left us with a profound hole in our hearts, we are blessed that he leaves us with countless memories. From his terms of endearment that he had for each of us, to his wild stories from his crazy adventures, and to the one we will remember most, his infectious laugh. Joaquin’s spirit does and always will remain with us.