Mr. Duane "Skip" Baylor

Duane “Skip” Roberto Baylor, of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on October 31, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

Born on July 27, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland, Skip was the son of Marian Hutchins and Robert Baylor. He was raised in West Baltimore by his mother and stepfather, Frank Hutchins II, and graduated from Baltimore City College High School in 1968, when it was a young men’s preparatory institution.

At the age of 18, Skip enlisted in the United States Air Force, and proudly served two tours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Baltimore and attended the University of Baltimore.

Skip began his career at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he served as the supervisor of Syscom, coordinating trauma transports for the state of Maryland. From there, he went on to build a long and dedicated career as a director of crime analysis with the Montgomery County Police Department. When he retired in 2008, he continued his service to public safety as an analyst for the Howard County Police Department, where he worked until his second retirement in June 2024. He took great pride in his work and was known among colleagues for his work ethic, attention to detail, and unwavering integrity.

Skip will be remembered by all for his loquacious spirit—he loved to tell stories and had an unmatched ability to connect with people in all walks of life. He was a devoted father who cherished spending time with his family, especially over a dinner he lovingly prepared. In the past two years he welcomed two grandsons into the family; a kid at heart, Skip had a penchant for eliciting smiles among the children.

A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Skip dedicated decades to coaching and mentoring young players in local youth recreational and travel baseball leagues. Known affectionately on the field as “Coach Skip,” he not only taught the fundamentals of the game, but also shared lessons in perseverance, humility, and sportsmanship that left a lasting impression on his players. He hoped for them to be good ballplayers, but even better people.

Skip is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and biological father.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 12:00 noon at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center. A luncheon will follow, where family and friends are invited to share their memories of Skip and celebrate his life. Interment at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery at a later date.