A native of Newberry, SC, Steve worked in retail sales at J.C. Penney for 13 years. He began a career in law enforcement in 1997 with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department where he served as a patrol deputy, major crimes investigator and School Resource Officer. He most recently served as a Special Agent with the SC Law Enforcement Division investigating insurance fraud.
Survivors include his wife, Ellen; his mother, Katie; sisters, Wendy Johnson of Columbia, Dena Pollard of Newberry, Charlotte Potts of Little Rock, AR and their families; sons, Rhett and Sam along with their families. Steve is also survived by grandchildren, Wyatt and Choice, whom he adored.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 8, 2023 in St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia. Masonic Rites will be held at the lodge in Newberry.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrews Baptist Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Baumgardner family.
