Mr. Thomas Alexander Baker

May 16, 1940 - October 10, 2021

Thomas Alexander Baker, 81, died unexpectedly on October 10, 2021, at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, West Columbia, South Carolina. He was born on May 16, 1940, in Buffalo, New York, the son of Broughton Leonard Baker and Margaret Smith Baker. Tom graduated from the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, receiving his high school diploma in 1966. Following graduation, he worked briefly for Thermal Engineering. He then enjoyed a long career as a Lab Technician for DHEC, retiring in 1999. Tom had many interests. He was a lifelong member of the Boy Scouts and received numerous awards for his service as a participant in the Order of the Arrow. He was also a member of the Freemasons of South Carolina and the Cayce Moose Family Center in West Columbia, South Carolina. Tom was devoted to his church, Shandon Presbyterian of Columbia, where he belonged to a Sunday school class for Bible study and social events. Tom is survived by his sister, Julianne Baker Scott of Albany, New York; nephews, Timothy Broughton Scott (Melissa) of Essex, Vermont and Theodore Andrew Scott (Laurie) of Round Lake, New York; as well as a great-nephew, Liam Broughton Scott also of Vermont. Tom loved his attentive family. He is also survived by his cousins, Linda Theus Hinson (Jack) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Walter Wyman Theus, Jr. (Catherine) of Columbia, South Carolina, and William Harrison Theus (Nancy) of Columbia, South Carolina. There are also eight younger cousins who adored his humor and spirit. A special acknowledgement is given to Caretta Gladden who lovingly cared for Tom for many years. The graveside service for Tom will be held 11 o'clock Saturday, October 16th, at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29201 with Rev. Jenny McDevitt officiating. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Those who wish to remember Tom may make contributions to The Boy Scouts Indian Waters Council, 715 Betsy Drive #B6, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29205, or the Cayce Moose Family Center, #462, 1541 Old Dunbar Road, West Columbia, South Carolina 29172.