CABEZA DE BACA - Cornelio R. Cabeza De Baca, "The wind beneath our wings," age 78, a resident of Albuquerque, died Tuesday, December 27, 2011. He joins Our Lord and his parents, Willie and Ruby, and brother, Estevan C. De Baca. He is survived by his spouse and partner of 50 years, Elsie; four children: son, Sam and spouse Johnna, daughter, Frances and spouse Tom, daughter, Cindy and spouse Steve, daughter, Christine and spouse Christopher; grandchildren, David, Amy, Jacque, Callen, Bradi, Heidi, Katie, Sabrina, Annie, and Cassidy; sister, Senaida and husband Manuel; nephew and Deacon, Steve; and nieces, Donna, Eileen and Racquel, their spouses and children, Compadres y Comadres. Cornie was born June 20, 1933 and raised in Albuquerque, NM. As a young boy, his adventuresome spirit caused him to break an arm when he jumped from a barn rooftop with an umbrella, doing his best Mary Poppins impersonation, with his sister's encouragement. From then, he soared in all endeavors. Cornie, ('Cornetas' to his friend Senator Pete Domenici) graduated from St. Mary's HS and obtained a BA and MA in Business Administration from New Mexico Highlands University. 'De Baca' served honorably in the United States Army as a Communications Chief and Missile Battalion Battery from 1953-1955, until he was wounded. He was a Marine Corp Reservist and loved his country dearly. Cornie worked as a civilian, at Kirtland Air Force Base as a Small Business and Minority Business Contract and Enterprise specialist for the federal Energy Research and Development Administration [ERDA, formerly Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)], where he received numerous federal, state and local awards for his tireless work supporting independent and minority business people. Papa, a devout Catholic, adored his Savior, his beloved wife 'Nana,' family, and the United States of America. Absent bravado, his legacy lives on in his family and dear friends, loves of learning and life and acts of faith. Papa you are much loved, always and forever. A Rosary will be recited by his nephew, Deacon Steve Apodaca at French - Wyoming Chapel on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 30, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria Rd. NE, in Albuquerque. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.