Tony Basel 1926-2022
Anthony (Tony) Eugene Basel, 95, of Netawaka, passed away in death at home in Holton on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.
He was born Oct. 26, 1926, in Eureka, the son of John Harvey and Mary Anna Johana (Hoefler) Basel. He married Dorothy Gladys Jorgensen 73 years ago on Sept. 23, 1948, in Washington.
Tony grew up and attended school in the Holton area. After serving in the Army during World War II, he worked in construction for 15 years. In 1960, he began his dream job of farming and ranching. He worked for Jackson Heights High School, USD 335, as head of maintenance from 1969 to 1991.
He was often the resource for information about the Jackson Heights school buildings, having worked as a guard at the missile base where Jackson Heights High School was built, and on the construction of the new high school. His life has had a positive effect on countless people, young and old, as he enjoyed hard work and helping others. He will be remembered for his friendly wide grin and for challenging many a young man with a hearty handshake.
On June 27, 1992, he was baptized as a Christian Witness of Jehovah God and was a member of the Holton Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Linda Hagg (Jim) of Ottawa; son, Dale Basel (Deborah) of Topeka; son, John Basel (Cheryl) of Emporia; son, Robert Basel (Shelly) of Whiting; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Louise Bickford, Holton, Dorothy Cox, Holton, and Evelyn Vincent (Bob), Topeka; and three brothers, George Basel, Abilene, Harlan Basel (Sarah), Gainesville, Fla., and Walter “Butch” Basel (Nancy), Lincoln, Neb.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Basel; two sisters, Mae Elizabeth Basel and Rovida Colton; and five brothers, John H. Basel Jr., Daniel (Doc) Basel, Roy Basel, Arthur Basel and Charles Basel.
Tony will lie in state at Mercer Funeral Home from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20 and Friday, Jan. 21. A funeral service will be held by video conference via ZOOM at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22. The ZOOM meeting ID will be: 857 1576 8888 and “1Beloved” will be the passcode.
Burial will be held at a later date in Holton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.
(PAID OBITUARY)
