Stephen Baxter, Sr.

Mr. Stephen Baxter, Sr., 66, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Stephen was born on May 29, 1959, in Mansfield, Massachusetts, the son of the late Katherine Baxter (Goodman) and the late Robert Baxter Jr. From an early age, Stephen demonstrated a strong sense of duty, loyalty, and love for family-values that guided him throughout his life.

Stephen proudly served his country for over 20 years in the United States Air Force. During his distinguished military career, he completed the USAF Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and numerous fire safety, prevention, and firefighting courses. His dedication to service and leadership did not end with the military. After retiring from the Air Force, Stephen became a respected instructor at the South Carolina Fire Academy, where he trained and mentored countless firefighters. He later went on to serve as Fire Chief at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, retiring once again after a career marked by integrity, commitment, and excellence.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Stephen embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He loved traveling-especially cruising with his brothers on what became known as the beloved "Brothers Cruises." He was an active member of the Palmetto Parrotheads where he enjoyed attending concerts and participating in numerous charity events. Stephen treasured time spent with his brothers, sisters, extended family, and friends, including his cherished "extended family" at Polliwogs. A devoted New England Patriots fan, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on his team.

Above all else, Stephen was deeply proud of his sons and absolutely adored his grandchildren, whom he was famously "obsessed with" in the best possible way. His love for his family was unwavering, and his presence brought laughter, support, and strength to all who knew him.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Robert Baxter Jr, his brother, Robert "Bobby" Baxter III and his loving mother, Katherine M. Baxter.

He is survived by his sons, Stephen Baxter, Jr., Leon Ducker, and Jason Ducker; his daughter-in-law, Heather Baxter; his brothers, Allen (Cynthia) Baxter, James (Martha) Baxter, and Gary (Carol) Baxter; his sisters, Jean (Chuck) Bingham and Barbara (Frank) Wyrwicki; his grandchildren, Alaina Baxter, Oliver Baxter, Alfie Ducker, Cody Ducker, Mariah Ducker, and Paul Ducker; and his great-grandson, Gavin Soto, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

The family will receive friends and a celebration of Stephen's life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 1:00 at Polliwogs located at 1025 Woodleys Way, Columbia SC 29223. The dress code will be "comfortable" as Stephen would have preferred.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Red Barn. The Big Red Barn Retreat offers posttraumatic growth-based training and services for veterans, active-duty military members, National Guard, reserve soldiers, first responders, and their families.https://thebigredbarnretreat.org/donate/

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TheSC Children's Burn Center. https://www.scbcf.org/donate

In respect to Stephen's wishes, he will be released to Mother Ocean during a private family event TBD.