Kenneth Gus Hern Baca

January 1963 – October 2021

Kenneth Gus Hern Baca died at home in Buda, Texas in October 2021. 

He was preceded in death by his mother Susan Miller Hern Baca, his father James Hern, and his brother Michael Baca.

He is survived by his step-son Dustin Hartsook, his daughters Melissa Christine Baca and Leslie Elaine Baca, his brother Raymond Keith Hern Baca, his sister Christine Baca Jones, the mother of his children Laura Leigh Hartsook, his step-father Aaron Frank Baca, a very dear friend and partner Rebecca Massee, and his aunt, Nancy Ina Miller.

Ken was born to James and Susan Hern in January of 1963 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a young child he developed a lifelong fondness for gardening and fishing. He had a contagious laugh, and an early love for playing soccer.

After moving to Ozark, Arkansas from Morganton, North Carolina, Ken attended the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas. In 1984 he married Laura Hartsook and relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico. There he started his family, completed his education in Computer Science , and began his fulfilling 30-year career in Information Technology, eventually retiring in 2020 in Buda, TX.

Ken was a very loving and involved father. He loved exploring the outdoors with his family, and they spent a lot of time fishing and camping. He was also very involved in their hobbies, always attending their football, baseball, softball, and basketball games. He loved taking his kids to the Balloon Fiesta, Arts in the Park, Renaissance Fairs, and any event where there would be live music and fun activities for the family to enjoy. At home, he enjoyed playing games, doing puzzles, grilling, and making a big breakfast for the family on Sunday mornings.

Before relocation to Texas, Ken joined the Optimist Club in New Mexico. He was very passionate about doing what he could to help the community of Bernalillo improve and grow in positive ways. Through the Optimist Club, he was able to make many new friends, and take part in numerous community service projects.

Ken relocated to Kyle, TX, where he spent his free time with his  then girlfriend and longtime dear friend and companion Rebecca Massee. They bought a home together in Buda, Texas, neighboring Kyle. They spent their time reading, dog walking, and exploring the Austin area together. They were also side-gig partners, and travelled very often, attending many conventions and visiting family all across the country.

Ken and his Grandmother and Grandfather Fosco were very close through the years. One treasured highlight was a summer the three of them spent together, traveling for several weeks, fishing in the States they passed through, sightseeing in Mexico, and attending a family reunion in North Dakota. Following the passing of his Grandfather, Ken was very attentive to his Grandmother and Aunt Nancy, taking the time to help them with anything they may have needed, including putting up and taking down their Christmas lights every year, which they greatly appreciated.

Ken was a very caring, loving person, and all who knew him were very lucky to have had him in their lives.

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