Sam Baxter Sr., 78

Samuel Vincent Baxter Sr., 78, passed away on Nov. 21, 2025, in Hermiston, Ore., 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 that knew him.

Sam was born April 2, 1947, in Hot Springs, Mont., to Ira and Marie Baxter. Sam remained a Montana boy at heart for his entire life. In his younger years he spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors with his brother George and their friends – often with a good story to tell!

Sam graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1965, after which he joined the United States Navy, serving in Vietnam.

After returning home he met and married Alice Argo in 1973. In 1976 they were surprised with twin daughters, Tammy and Debbie, followed by Sam Jr. in 1983.

Sam went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Montana State in Bozeman, which became the foundation of his long engineering career. From March 1981-August 2003, he continued his service through his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, followed by his career with Voice of America from 2003 to retirement in 2009.

Sam was proud to be an American, believing deeply in patriotism, civic responsibility, and the blessings of living in this country. His work took him around the world, to Alaska, Africa, Turkey, Europe and Asia. He had a special affection for the Philippines.

Always the adventurer, he delighted in new cultures, memories and experiences.

Sam had a rare gift for friendship. He quickly became friends with everyone he worked with, neighbors, fellow travelers, nurses, doctors, and later his caregivers. Relationships were so important to Sam. Staying connected, attending family reunions, getting together often or by phone calls – he kept in touch, making the effort even when his health was failing.

Family was the center of Sam's world. He was an exceptional father, brother, brother-in-law, (favorite) uncle, cousin and friend.

He was a natural jokester which helped him persevere when times got tough. He often found a way to laugh and engage others in his joy. His grandchildren brought him great joy and he encouraged each grandchild to be adventurous and chase their dreams, as he had. A firm believer in education, he encouraged them to pursue learning and education (with a specific bias for engineering).

In later years Sam enjoyed an expansive garage where he tinkered, created, fixed, restored, organized, and dreamed. Whether working on a project, repurposing a garage-sale find (which there were many!) or simply enjoying the quiet, his garage was the place where his imagination came alive. He always had a few "show and tells" when people came to visit.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Daniel Herbert Baxter, Barbara Ellen Fay and 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.; several grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is survived by his younger brother, George (Maggie), and their children; his nephews, Mike and Robin Fay, and their children; and Aunt Lila Baxter – with whom he had a very special relationship. He also leaves behind many, many friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life on June 20, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. at the Lonepine Community Center in Lonepine. Please come and share your stories with the family.