Steven Howard Baker

Steven Howard Baker passed away peacefully on the morning of May 5th, 2025, at his home in Fletcher, North Carolina, after a battle with gastric cancer. He was 72.

Born to Newell Edward Baker Jr. and Nancy Lee Baker (née Miller) on October 30, 1952, Steve spent most of his life in North Carolina. He first obtained a degree in forestry from North Carolina State University, then embarked on a mission to El Salvador as a member of the Peace Corps, an experience that imbued in him a permanent regard for the vulnerable and underprivileged. After, Steve returned to NC State and completed a degree in English. His time as a student teacher clarified a desire for a career he could spend helping individuals directly, one-on-one. This train of thought led him to medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and then onto a psychiatric residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. During his time in Colorado, he met and married Pam; they had their first son, Nate, in 1991.

In 1994, Steve moved to Asheville with his young family, which welcomed a second son, Sam, in 1995. He lived and worked in the area for the rest of his life, serving patients of all ages and backgrounds over the years but finding his calling later in his career treating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. As one of Western North Carolina’s foremost experts on psychiatric care for this population, he was a tireless advocate for them, shaping a culture of respect that lives on through the providers he supported and mentored. His approach to care, rooted in kindness and inclusion, will remain a model of service for the region’s patients, families, and caregivers.

A gentle soul with broad shoulders, Steve held a deep appreciation for the wonders of humanity and nature alike. He found solace and fulfillment in singing, hiking, camping, skiing, coaching, and yard work, to name a few. The greatest joy of his life, however, was spending time with his family and friends – making them laugh with his goofy sense of humor, sharing stories, and supporting them however he could. He left them no doubt of his main priority: the wellbeing of the people right in front of him. They will thank him for it every day.

Steve is survived by his beloved partner, Kimberly Anne Palmer, his children, Nathaniel James Baker and Samuel Steven Baker, his brother and his wife, Newell Miller Baker and Carol Fincannon Baker, his sister and her fiancé, Nancy Joy Baker and Steven Paul Bromir, and his former wife and the mother of his children, Pamela Dunkin Baker.

A celebration of life is anticipated for later this summer. In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to the Gastric Cancer Foundation at gastriccancer.org.

Steve wanted little more from a person than for them to have a sense of humor and to be curious. To honor his memory today, make someone laugh and ask someone a question about their life. After today, make a habit of doing so as often as possible.

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