On December 12, 2016 at the age of 94, Florent P. Baecke entered into the peace of eternal rest.  His life began August 10, 1922 in San Antonio, Texas as the son of Belgian immigrants, Alfred and Louise Baecke (predeceased) and the brother of Marcel Baecke (predeceased).  He grew up on a local area farm where he acquired his very strong work ethic.  In 1952 he married his beloved wife of 60 years, Mildred V. Baecke (predeceased), and together they reared three children.

He served in the Army Air Corp as a mechanic during World War II and was a member of the group known as the Carpet Baggers who flew numerous missions throughout Europe during the war.  After the war he settled in San Antonio, Texas and worked at Kelly AFB as a Production Manager where he retired after a long and successful career.  During this time, he and his wife also ran a family farm delivering beautiful flowers to area florists.  They later moved to Adkins, Texas where he resided for the last several years.

One of his greatest accomplishments was that he was also a well-known artist in the San Antonio area with his work shown in collections all over the world.  One of his paintings has the honor of hanging at the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Foremost, he was a dedicated husband and excellent father.  Fond memories of him will always be that of someone who loved to tell stories and witty jokes.  He was a quiet and gentle man who was a welcoming friend and enjoyed supporting his parish with many hours of volunteer service.

Celebrated as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and dear friend he is survived by children Alfred Baecke (predeceased) (Patricia), Richard Baecke (Geraldine), Patricia Holub (Martin); grandchildren Andrea Mohr (Dieter), Branden Baecke (Wendy), Nicole Gutierrez (Ray), Christopher Baecke (Sarah) and Cole Holub; great-grandchildren Addison, Nolan, Sonya, Levi, Charlotte and Nora; sister-in-law Alene Buys, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends who love and will miss him dearly.

The family would like to thank the staff of Embrace Hospice and Country Care Manor for their loving and tender care.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at The Angelus Funeral Home from 12:00p.m.-2:00 p.m.  Rosary will be recited at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in St. Hedwig, Texas Thursday evening at 6:00p.m. Funeral Mass to be offered Friday, December 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in St. Hedwig, Texas.  Interment will follow at the San Fernando Cemetery II.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Memorial contributions

may be made to:

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Catholic Church

14011 FM 1346

St. Hedwig, TX 78152

(210) 667-1232