Hugh George “Butch” Baiden Jr.

COLUMBIA - Hugh George “Butch” Baiden, Jr., 86, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024. Born in Conway, SC, he was a son of the late Hugh George Baiden, Sr. and Margaret McLaurin Baiden. He was a retired Colonel of the SC Army National Guard.

Those surviving to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 59 years, Katharine Hughes Baiden of Columbia, SC; daughter, Laurin B. Kennedy (Andrew) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Anna and Duncan.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Sallie Baiden Jackson and niece, Leesa Kemmerlin.

Butch attended Clemson College and was an avid tiger fan. He also loved to hunt with his beloved Boykin Spaniel, Turk. He joined the Army National Guard in 1955 and fulfilled a childhood dream of flying by completing the aviation fixed wing and rotary wing flight training. He went on to become a helicopter pilot and flight instructor and was later called to service as a full-time guardsman in 1971 at McEntire Joint National Guard Base. In his career, he served in many positions in the SCARNG, such as State Aviation Safety Officer, Director of Personnel HQ STARC, Director of State Aviation and Safety HQ STARC, and Aviation Support Facility Commander. He also received many commendations and service medals. While serving in the guard, he also obtained his Master of Arts in Management from Central Wesleyan College. He was placed in Retired Reserve in June 1997.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2024 in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com