Samuel Herbert Baker, 63, died Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at a local nursing facility.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Donnie Paschal Baker, Sr., and the late Blanche Olevia Dukes Baker. Mr. Baker was a member of Gateway Baptist Church. He worked as a computer technician with the SC Budget and Control Board and retired as a civil service employee at the SC Adjutant Generals office. He also retired from the S.C. Army National Guard after 30 years of serving and was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. In his youth, Mr. Baker boxed with the Sumter Optimist Boxing Club team where he developed into a skilled boxer. He ascended through the ranks to earn the title of Carolinas Golden Gloves Champion in his division. Following his time in the ring, he served as a coach for the Sumter Optimist Boxing Club. He was also a member of the 1970 State Champion Sumter High School Football Team.

Survivors include three brothers, Donnie P. Baker, Jr. (Brenda), John Wayne Baker, and Mark Anthony Baker all of Sumter; two sisters, Sara Baker Fritsche and Shelby Jean “Rikki” Barnes both of Sumter; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles Ahtonen officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home of his sister, 2659 Ford Street.

Memorials may be made to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, 361 Newbury Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02115.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.