Stephen Taylor Baker, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away on September 15, 2026. Born on May 29, 1999, Stephen lived a life that, although far too short, was filled with hard work, music, laughter, and an extraordinary devotion to the people he loved most.

Stephen was a hardworking man who was never afraid to take on a difficult job. Throughout his working life, he worked as a butcher and in hard labor, as well as in water, fire, and mold remediation. Of all the work he did, however, his favorite job was working on the railroad. There was something about the work that made it especially meaningful to him, and it became a favorite part of his working life.

While Stephen was proud of being a hard worker and a good provider, his greatest role in life was being a loving and devoted father. His son, Slayten Baker, was at the center of his world. Stephen treasured every possible moment he could spend with his son, and the love he had for him was evident in the way he lived his life. Being a father wasn’t simply one part of who Stephen was—it was one of the things that defined him.

Stephen had a creative and musical spirit. He loved playing guitar, writing and listening to music, and drawing. Music gave him a way to express himself, whether he was sitting with his guitar, putting his thoughts into writing, or simply listening to the songs he loved. He also had an appreciation for the finer things in life in his own unique way, including being something of a beer snob.

But perhaps what people will remember most about Stephen was his ability to make them laugh.

He had a gift for bringing humor into even the hardest moments. Stephen could make anyone laugh on their worst day, and he was known as being one of the funniest people in the lives of those who knew him. His humor was more than simply making people smile—it was part of the way he connected with others and brought light into their lives.

Stephen was also a good provider and took pride in caring for his family. His hardworking nature, loving heart, creativity, and incredible sense of humor came together to make him someone who was deeply loved and impossible to forget.

Stephen is survived by his beloved son, Slayten Baker; his fiancee Corrina MacDonald; his parents Mary Baker and Virgil Baker; and his siblings, Ethan Baker, Jaeden Baker, and Julia Baker. Along with many other family members, friends, and loved ones who will carry his memory forward. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Kristi Reece Keyes and step sister Averyl Lollar.

Stephen’s family will remember him as a loving father, a hardworking man, a creative soul, and the person who could somehow find a way to make people laugh even when life felt heavy. They will remember the music he played, the things he created, the work he took pride in, and, most of all, the moments spent together.

Though Stephen’s time here was much too short, the love he gave and the laughter he brought into the lives of others will continue to live on through the people who knew and loved him. His greatest legacy will be the memories he created and the love he poured into his son and his family.

Services

Stephen was cremated. A service will be held in Gillette, Wyoming, with a separate service to be held in Oklahoma. Details regarding the services will be announced by the family.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverFD.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dean Moncur and the compassionate staff of West River Funeral Directors in Rapid City, South Dakota.