Stephen Twing

After a long and courageous battle with oropharyngeal cancer, Stephen Wainwright Twing, 62, of Frostburg, passed away at home surrounded by loving family.

Born on December 12, 1961, in Camden, South Carolina, he was preceded in death by his parents, Alvi Tabor Twing, Jr and Rhoda Anne (Duddleston-Baker) Twing. He was also preceded in death by his half-brother, Alvi Tabor Twing III (Terry).

Educated in South Carolina, Stephen graduated from Camden High School and earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Wofford College after serving in the United States Air Force. He completed his education at the University of South Carolina-Columbia, earning his PhD in International Relations after successfully defending his dissertation.

Following graduation, Stephen joined the Political Science Department at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, before finding his home with the Political Science Department at Frostburg State University. He taught at Frostburg for over 25 years, also serving as department chair during his tenure, before retiring due to illness. His FSU colleagues voted unanimously to grant him emeritus status upon his retirement. Their gesture touched his heart very deeply. He dearly missed discussions in the hallways with his colleagues and being in the classroom with all his wonderful students. Stephen was a published author, as well as serving as the managing editor for the Homeland Security Affairs Journal since 2014.

Stephen was an avid sports fan. His beloved South Carolina Gamecocks brought him much joy and kept him connected with many of his dear childhood, college, and university friends. He also enjoyed reading, travel, golf, tennis, bowling, music, body surfing at the beach, the beauty of the mountains, family time, and an excellent glass of scotch at the end of a long day.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Tracey (Otto) Lehr-Twing, his children, Nicholas Twing and Kade Twing, his stepchildren, Michelle Lehr, Timothy Lehr (Danielle), Maria Larson (Kirk), and Sara Stanke (Erica). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jackson and Emily Larson, his brother, Don Baker (Jeanette), two half-sisters, Nancy Bryant, and Pam West, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his cat, Nitten, who very much misses his favorite person's lap.

Friends and family will be received at The Lane Center Atkinson Room, at Frostburg State University for a celebration of Stephen's life on February 24, 2024, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Stephen W. Twing Memorial Scholarship Fund, at http://www.frostburg.edu/GiveTwing.