Thomas Ceil Basham Sr.

Thomas C. ‘Bud’ Basham, one of Phoenix’s pioneer bankers slipped away from us on May 16th, 2014. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 30th, 1919. His parents, Alma and Ceil Basham came to Phoenix in the 20’s a few years before the Great Depression. His father built their house on the outskirts of town, along a dirt thoroughfare now referenced as 9th Street and Indian School Road. His mother started up one of Phoenix’s first antique shops at this location, which became a successful enterprise known as Basham’s Antiques, The Land of Wuz. The shop closed down when Alma retired near her 100th birthday. Bud graduated from Phoenix Union High School and soon married his high school sweetheart, Bess W. Basham, still a beautiful lady, young in spirit and forever devoted to her husband and their seventy-five year marriage. Bud and Bess were planning on a little ‘fiesta’ for their 75th Anniversary coming up in November. Bess was at his bedside along with friends at their home in Phoenix when he passed. Bud left a short career at Valley National Bank to go off and fight in the 2nd World War. After hearing the news of Pearl Harbor, he joined the Navy and subsequently served on the USS Oglala, a supply/maintenance ship. The Oglala and her ‘mates’ cruised the Pacific for over three years and ultimately, near the end of the War, became involved in the battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945 and returned to what was to be a distinguished banking career in Phoenix, Arizona. Bud was recognized as an exceptional commercial banker and steadily worked his way from a teller position in the Valley National Bank to his promotion as President of Continental Bank in Phoenix. Bud and Bess were the parents of Thomas C. Basham, Jr., a successful artist and actor, who died four year ago. It is interesting to note that Bud died on May 16th, Tom’s birthday. They also have another son, David W. Basham, who lives and practices law in Tucson, Arizona. Bud eventually retired from banking and developed his investments in commercial real estate. His investment interests ranged from farming hundreds of thousands of palm trees to building shopping centers, office buildings and hotels. Bud would ‘walk off’ a piece of real estate, kneel down and pick up the dirt and throw it in the air. After several hours of close examination he could sit down and tell you how the land should best be developed and how much it was worth. He had the reputation for being impeccably honest and incredibly wise with commercial matters. Bud was part of a diminishing breed of businessmen who ‘brokered’ deals with partners with only a verbal promise and handshake. Bud Basham was a devoted father, husband and true friend to many persons, past and present. We know he’s rejoined close friends in the ‘ethereal beyond’ at a convenient ‘bar ‘n’ grill’. He’s having a bourbon on the rocks with a lemon twist, lighting up a good cigar. He would likely be discussing the economy and the best way to develop the surrounding ‘real’ estate. His good nature, friendship and sense of humor will be forever missed. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 23rd, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85009. Flowers are not necessary.