1925
2013
Freddie "Fred" Ben Basham, 87, was born in Eastland, TX and passed away in Houston, TX February 11, 2013. Fred joined the US Army Air Corp in 1943 and served during WWII as a pilot. He then served in the US Air Force Reserve for 25 years and retired with the rank of Major. He was a graduate of Texas A&M University and began his career at Shell Oil as an engineer. In 1962, Fred was recruited as an agent with State Farm Insurance and retired after 33 successful years. Throughout his career, Fred was very active in Bellaire politics and served as president of the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce. He was involved in numerous charitable causes and very active in the local service organizations. Fred was recognized by the community of Bellaire as one of its most respected business leaders. One of his greatest joys was spending weekends at his farm. The time he spent there brought back fond memories of his childhood. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 52 years, Claudia Basham. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Hichens and Sally Easterling; son-in-law Arthur Hichens; grandchildren, Ryan & Clayton Farley and Amanda & Matthew Easterling; and 4 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11:00 am on Friday, February 15, 2013 at the Chapel of the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Fred's name to the American Stroke Association/American Heart Association at https://donate.americanheart.org/ecommerce/donation/ . We wish to express our sincere gratitude to his loving caregiver, Theresa, doctors, and nursing home.
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February 22, 2013
Beverly Bannister
Mr. Basham became very dear to me. He was so much like my father. I loved being around him. Mr. Basham enjoyed people and always made them feel important. Mr. Basham was important to me in many ways. He taught his family to be generous with themselves when giving to others. Mr. Basham gave me one great gift, my best and most special friend, his daughter Susan.
My love to all the family. I share your sorrow too.
February 15, 2013
carol teer martinez
Susan and Sally,I too will mourn far him.he was always there far me.he was a kind and gentle man.
February 14, 2013
Belinda Mendoza
Our condolences to both you and your family Susan. We love you and may your memories of the wonderful times you spent with your loved one give you comfort always. Love, The Mendoza Family
February 14, 2013
Jane C. Nathan
Susan & Sally:
My condolences to both of you and your families on your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up as your parents' next door neighbor on Linkwood when you two were babies. We stayed in touch with your Dad as he handled my family's insurance needs from my first car until his retirement. May your memories of him remain forever - he was a special guy!
February 13, 2013
Marvin L. Christian
I flew with Major Basham as a crew member in C119's at Ellington AFB. He was a superb pilot and a member of the greatest generation, it was a pleasure to have known you, sir.
February 13, 2013
Tula and Harvey Visnaw
Mr.Basham was our insurance agent many years ago in Houston and a fine one. We moved from there several years ago. We send our sympathy.
February 13, 2013
American Heart and Stroke Association
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
February 12, 2013
H W Buddy & Carol Koenig
We are sad for your loss but so happy for Fred's new status, Chief Angel in charge of donut procurement. Fred was so much a part of our office after he retired that we included him at staff dinners. He was a special friend and loving family man.
February 12, 2013
H W Buddy Koenig
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Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077
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