With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Stephen Harold Baxter, 76, of Galveston, Texas, on Monday, July 27th, 2026. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory with them always.

He was born in Dallas, Texas on May 23rd, 1950, to Harold Eugene Baxter and Ruth Charline Richards. He grew up in Mesquite, Tx and graduated from Mesquite High School.

Upon graduation he went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone. Stephen took early retirement from Southwestern Bell /AT&T Telephone. After leaving there he went on to own All Star Bingo in Dallas, Tx along with several other business. Communications always pulled him back and he went on to work for the Supercollider Project, the FDIC and VHA where he finally hung the phone up at 63 years of age.

While living in Alba, Tx he was active in the Alba-Golden ISD community by serving on the school board and coaching little league baseball.  He enjoyed traveling on cruises and playing golf and was able to fulfill his lifetime dream of retiring to the coast.  There he still stayed active by being a referee for high school sports and working for Carnival Cruise Lines part time.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 19 years, Kenda Baxter. Their life together was a source of love, strength, and devotion, and the bond they shared remained an important part of who he was.

He is survived by his children: Spencer H. Baxter and wife Holly of Dallas Tx, Jameson R. Baxter of Whitewright Tx, Morgan A. Baxter of New Braunfels, Tx, Stephen M. Baxter of Stephenville Tx, and Colin D. Baxter and wife Emily of Lubbock, Tx. Grandchildren: D'Ann Shipp, Bhrianna Baxter, Justice Baxter, Noah Baxter, Weilan Baxter, Elijah Baxter, Solomon Baxter, and Brixton Baxter.  Great Grandchildren: Lonnie, Charlotte and Willow. Sisters: Vicki Griffin, Gail Parker and husband Kim, Debra Reeves and husband Charlie.  Several nieces, nephews, close friends, and his faithful dog, Whiskey.

Those who knew Stephen will remember him for the life he built, the people he loved, and the lasting impression he made on those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and all who were blessed to know him.

A Visitation will be held on August 3rd, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home in Galveston, Funeral Services will be held the following day on August 4th, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. under the direction of Carnes Brothers Funeral Home located at 1201 23rd Street, Galveston, Tx 77550.

Burial will be held later that same day at George's Creek Cemetery located at 2633 County Road 308, Nemo, Tx 76070