Russell C. Baker, 79, died Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Silver City, NM.
Russell was born January 7, 1946, in Deming, NM, to Lee and Margaret Baker. Russell graduated from Deming High School in 1964 and graduated from New Mexico State University in 1968 with an Agricultural Business degree. He married Deatra "DeeDee" Smith in August of 1967; they just celebrated 58 years of marriage.
Russell's first job was in Kansas City, MO as a real estate appraiser. They figured out quickly that city life was not for them. They moved back to Las Cruces, NM where he worked for Production Credit for five years. Their next move was back to Deming and Russell went to work on the Bar U family ranch and Kennecott Copper in Bayard, NM. He returned to school and became a real estate broker and operated Southwest Properties for the next 30 years.
He served on the board of Columbus Electric Cooperative and Plains Electric Cooperative in the 1980's and 1990's. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Jaime Nogues officiating.
Russell was larger than life with a voice and hands to match. His story telling painted pictures with words that left you feeling as though you were present in the story. He will forever be fondly remembered as "POP". He was active in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's lives and activities and was their loudest cheerleader. He enjoyed his morning coffee groups at both La Fonda and The Grand with his circle of friends.
He is survived by his wife DeeDee Baker; two children Gina (Chris Sanchez) Baker of Tucson, AZ and Myles (Charise) Baker of Alamosa, CO; a brother Robert (Marianne) Baker of Mountain Home, ID; six grandchildren, Cheyenne Apodaca of Las Cruces, NM, Savannah Chandler of Tucson, AZ, Trey Lockard of Peru, IN; Tate Baker, Raelyn Baker, Teagan Baker all of Alamosa, CO; 2 great-grandchildren Jordan Apodaca and Lincoln Apodaca of Las Cruces, NM, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who were loved by him.
Russell was proceeded in death by his parents, Lee and Margaret Baker.
Memorial services will be at 11:00 am Saturday, November 22, at the First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum, 301 S. Silver Ave., Deming, NM 88030
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell Baker, please visit our floral store.
