Thomas Basham

Tom Basham was born in Southern Illinois and was raised in Chicago. He joined the Navy in 1948 and by 1951 married the love of his life, Thora McKenzie, in Hawaii. Over the years, Tom was stationed in various places from Barbers Point, Hawaii; NAS Dallas, Tx.; Olathe, Kansas; Glynco, Ga.; Naples, Italy; Corpus Christi, Tx.; Sea Duty on the USS Oriskany; and finally Imperial Beach, Ca while living in Chula Vista. He spent 31 1/2 years in the Navy as an Air Traffic Controller and retired in 1980 as a Master Chief. After retiring he did construction work for a few years and then did many handyman jobs. Tom has always been a very caring person and was there to help neighbors, friends, and anyone needing help or have things done.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Thora, his son John Basham, who followed his fathers footsteps and became an Air Traffic Controller with the Navy then with the FAA, and daughter Pamela Reichert. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren Shanda Basham DeNike, Carl Basham, who is currently serving with the US Army; Kevin Reichert (Who preceded his papa to heaven) and Ashley Reichert and 3 great grandchildren; Alexandria (Lexy) and Brenden DeNike and Moira (MJ) Basham. Tom’s sister Ruth Ann Klien.

Thomas will be laid to rest with military honors on February 15, 2013 at 2pm at Miramar National Cemetery. If you wish to express your sympathy the family has requested donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or San Diego Hospice.