Donald Wayne Basenberg

Donald Wayne Basenberg was born on October 27, 1942, in Mobile, Alabama, the first of two children born to the marriage of Gilbert (Dick) Christopher Basenberg and Margaret Thigpen Basenberg. Don’s father worked as a shipbuilder in Mobile during World War II. At the end of the War, the family moved home to Cullman County, Alabama, living first in Hanceville, where Don completed the first through third grades at Hanceville Elementary School, then moving to Cullman. Don graduated from Cullman High School where he was a member of the band. He attended the University of North Alabama, graduating with a degree in biology. He served in the U. S. Army for two years, working as a laboratory technician at the Noble Army Hospital at Ft. McClellan in Anniston, AL. He worked as a Boy Scout Field Executive in Florence, AL then moved to Birmingham where he worked in the Air Pollution Control Department of the Jefferson County Board of Health for several years. He was particularly proud of the work done by his department in helping to “clear the air” in Birmingham and Jefferson County. While working for the Health Department, Don attended UAB, earning a degree in accounting. He then moved to employment with the City of Birmingham’s Finance Department, where he worked until retirement in 2004.

Don was an active member of Avondale United Methodist Church throughout his life in Birmingham, where he served as a member of the choir, and held positions of leadership. After his retirement, he became a Docent at the Birmingham Zoo. During his years at the zoo, he enjoyed serving as Engineer of the Zoo’s train, as a greeter in the Lorikeet Aviary, as well as other activities. He was an avid supporter of the UNA Lions, attending many sports events regularly for many years. He enjoyed his annual trips to Keeneland Racetrack in Kentucky and visiting his equine “friends” at the Old Friends Horse Park there.

Don was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Joe E. Basenberg, his sister-in-law, Jean Alice, and their children, Anne Katherine (Jeff) Butterworth and Jensen T. (Maggie) Basenberg. He is also survived by grand

nieces and nephews Jensen and Jack Butterworth and Connor, Molly and William Basenberg.

At Don’s request, cremation was completed by Johns-Rideouts Funeral Parlor in Birmingham. A memorial service will be held at Avondale United Methodist Church in Birmingham, AL on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 1:30 PM. The service will be followed by a reception at the Church. Don’s remains will be interred later at Hopewell Cemetery near Hanceville, AL in a family service by his immediate family.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to Avondale United Methodist Church, 500 40th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222 or to the University of North Alabama, UNA Box 5113, Florence, AL 35632-0001

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridouts.com for the Basenberg family.