Irby William Basco of Port Neches, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at the age of 92 in Port Arthur, Texas. He was born October 21, 1932, in Bordelonville, Louisiana, to Lawrence William and Flossie Agnes Basco.
Irby moved to Texas at the age of 4 and graduated from Beaumont High School in 1951. He began his career at Beaumont Motor Company before joining the family business, Basco Construction and Lumber Company. In 1990, he became President and CEO of Basco Construction Inc., where he led efforts in commercial and residential renovation following natural catastrophes across the Golden Triangle and surrounding areas.
A passionate outdoorsman, Irby was an avid hunter and fisherman with a deep commitment to conservation. His enthusiasm for sportfishing and marine preservation led to decades of service, including as the sportfishing representative on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Artificial Reef Committee. His dedication helped shape the Rigs to Reef program, and in recognition, two artificial reefs were named in his honor—one 23 miles south of Sabine Pass in 1994, and another off the coast of Alabama in 2004.
Irby held leadership roles and memberships in numerous conservation and marine organizations, including President of the Saltwater Anglers League of Texas - Sabine, President of the Sabine Neches Conservation Association, and service on various advisory panels such as the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, NOAA Billfish Advisory Panel, and ICCAT. He was also affiliated with the International Game Fish Association, National Coalition for Marine Conservation, and several Texas coastal angling associations.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sherri Giammette-Basco; daughters and sons-in-law Donna and Mike Connell, Kimberly and Harry Deitz, and Mindy and Simon Lightfoot; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Agnes Vickery and Olive Anne McLaughlin.
Irby is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Terra Suzanne Basco, and his parents, Lawrence and Flossie Basco.
A memorial service will be held on June 21, 2025, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
Irby lived a life full of passion, purpose, and joy. He was known for his sayings, including:
“This life and one more!”
“The biggest risk is not taking one!”
“If you don’t have a reef-get one.”
His favorite songs were Sultans of Swing and American Pie. If you hear them, sing along—and think of Irby.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Irby Basco to www.tpwf.org/donate or to www.RGVReef.org
