Samuel Vincent Baxter

Samuel Vincent Baxter Sr., 78, passed away on November 21, 2025, in Hermiston, Oregon, surrounded by family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion that will forever echo in the hearts of all who knew him. He was born on April 2,1947, in Polson, Montana, to Ira and Marie Baxter who were humble sheep ranchers. Sam remained a humble Montana boy at heart for his entire life. Sam graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1965, beginning a life defined by hard work, exploration, and determination. Sam married the love of his life, Alice Argo, and had three wonderful children. He proudly earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Montana State University in 1981, an accomplishment he treasured, and which became the foundation of his respected engineering career.

In his younger years, Sam spent countless hours hunting, fishing and exploring the outdoors with his brother George and their friends which often created a good story to tell.

Sam served his country as a United States Navy veteran who served during the

Vietnam War, an honor he carried throughout his life. From March 1982 to August 2003, he continued his service through his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, followed by his career with the Voice of America from 2003 to 2009, before retiring. Sam was profoundly PROUD to be an American believing deeply in patriotism, civic responsibility, and the blessing of living in this country. His work and service took him around the world to Alaska, Africa, Turkey, Europe, Asia, yet he held a special affection for the Philippines. An adventurer at heart, he delighted in new cultures, memories, and experiences.

Sam had a rare gift for friendship. He became friends with essentially everyone he came into contact with from neighbors, coworkers, and fellow travelers to nurses, doctors, and caregivers in his later years. His friends were too numerous to list, spread across the world and throughout every hospital he ever stayed in. People simply loved Sam. 

His family was at the center of Sam’s world. He was an exceptional father being a rescuer, counselor, leader, and friend to his children. A man of deep wisdom, Sam taught his children lessons in his famous pep talks such as, it’s like eating an elephant, take it one bite at a time; go with the flow and roll with the punches; and focus on the good things and be happy. Sam was a natural jokester which helped him persevere when his life got tough. He often found a way to laugh and engage others in his joy. His grandchildren brought him great joy, and he encouraged them to be adventurous and chase their dreams as he had.  A firm believer in education, he encouraged each child and grandchild to pursue learning and education with a specific bias for engineering.

  In his later years, he enjoyed an expansive garage where he tinkered, created, fixed, restored, organized, and dreamed. Whether he was working on a project, repurposing a find, or simply enjoying the quiet, his garage was the place where his engineering mind and peaceful spirit came alive. 

Sam was preceded in death by his parents Ira and Marie Baxter; his siblings Daniel Herbert Baxter, Barbara Ellen Fay, Frank Melvin Baxter; and his grandson Jason Barney. He is survived by his children Tammy Sue Barney (Mark), Deborah Lea Burnette (Cade), and Samuel Vincent Baxter Jr. (Casey). He is survived by his younger brother George (Maggie) Baxter and their children, and by his nephews Mike and Robin Fay and their children. 

Sam is lovingly remembered by his wise words or wise cracks and loving nature. Sam moved closer to his daughter Debbie who helped him live independently with his caregiver Yadira Lopez until his passing. Sam spent his last month's playing “nickles” with Yadira, Debbie, and Cade and looking forward to frequent visits from close friends and family. Sam lived his life finding joy and while our hearts are shattered, our hearts are not troubled, because we know where he is. His favorite scripture, John 14:1 — “Let not your heart be troubled” — brought him peace in life and brings peace to those who love him now.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life in June 2026 in Montana, with details to come.

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements. 

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