Kenneth Howard Basye

On April 16, 2023, Kenneth Howard Basye, of Levelland, Texas, passed from this life into eternal life at the age of 86. Kenneth Basye was born in Levelland, Texas, to Howard and Ethel (Jones) Basye on September 7, 1936, joining his two older sisters, Jean and LaVerne.

Kenneth attended Central and West Elementary schools in Levelland and graduated from Levelland High School in 1955. He then attended Texas Tech University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1963. Kenneth would later spend several summers studying at Sul Ross University where he received his Master of Education degree in 1985.

Kenneth met his sweetheart, Betty Lee Morton, in seventh grade. She was the apple of his eye and the love of his life. They were married during a record-breaking snowstorm on February 4, 1956, in Levelland. Due to the weather, many plans for the ceremony had to be altered, but Kenneth and Betty were undeterred and were married at Austin Street Church of Christ with only a few guests in attendance.

Kenneth and Betty made their home in Levelland serving in their church and in their community. They raised three children, Teddy Lee Basye, Tommy Ray Basye, and Terri Ann (Basye) Stark on the cotton farm outside of Levelland. It was on the family farm where their children were taught the value of hard work and the importance of family and faith.

Kenneth devoted his professional life to education. He taught Auto Mechanics at Levelland High School from 1960-1970 and History and Government from 1970-1992. Kenneth made a lasting impression on his students. One former student commented, "Mr. Basye touched a lot of lives and made a difference in many - including mine," while another student wrote, "Mr. Basye was a great man and teacher. His legacy will be remembered with smiles." Kenneth influenced many young people throughout his thirty-two year career, and his dedication to both the teaching profession and to his students was acknowledged several times. In 1980, he received the McMurry Award for upholding excellent academic standards and for dedicated service, and in 1982, he was awarded "Favorite Teacher" by the graduating class. Kenneth Basye was also named to the Teacher's Wall of Honor at USD Central Office. He was nominated and selected for this honor by the Class of 1978 on the 20th anniversary of their graduation from Levelland High School.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Kenneth also farmed for four years. His young family helped move pipe, drive tractors, and chop cotton with the promise of ham sandwiches and sweet iced tea waiting for them at the end of the row. Even after he retired from farming the land himself, he continued to check the rain gauge, watch the clouds, and take videos of the crop and the harvest to share with his grandchildren.

Kenneth was known for living a life of service. From 1954-1968, Kenneth served his country as a-1st Lieutenant in the National Guard where he trained at Fort Sill. His family fondly remembers those days in Lawton, Oklahoma. He also served as President of the Board of White River Youth Camp where his children spent many summers as campers and counselors. At Austin Street Church of Christ in Levelland, Kenneth taught Bible classes and served as a deacon, and at Greenlawn Church of Christ in Lubbock, he dedicated his time to the Blessing Center - an outreach program for the community.

Most of all, Kenneth cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. After his retirement in 1992, Kenneth and Betty traveled the country from Alaska to North Carolina, but their favorite trips involved traveling throughout Texas to watch their grandchildren's sporting events and musical performances. They were even known to occasionally arrive at ballparks or stadiums before the team buses and band buses. Kenneth's love for his grandchildren was always evident.

Kenneth and Betty were greatly blessed to live the last two years together in Sweetwater with their son, Ted, and his wife, Amy. Kenneth and Betty celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in February giving their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a beautiful example of faithful love and devotion. Their legacy of faith touched not only their immediate family, but also many others who were welcomed into their home and hearts over the years.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ethel Basye; his sister, Jean Watson; and his nephew, Joe Watson. He is survived by his wife, Betty Basye of Sweetwater, two sons, Ted Basye and wife Amy of Sweetwater, and Tom Basye and wife Cherise of Lubbock; one daughter, Terri Stark and husband Larry of Lubbock; nine grandchildren, Austin Basye, Jatawn Mahan, Tyson Basye, Aryn Withrow, Jordan Basye, Teal Dennis, Danae Jackson, Jon Basye, and Kendon Stark; five great-grandchildren, Asher Basye, Eaven Basye, Arnhem Jackson, Shirley Jackson, and Kenna Jackson; sister LaVerne Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Kenneth and Betty Basye would also like to take this opportunity to thank Misty Guelker for the love and care that she provided to both of them while they were in Sweetwater. She was truly a blessing. There will be a family visitation on Thursday evening, April 20, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 at Resthaven Funeral Home in Lubbock. The memorial service will be held at Greenlawn Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas, on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. and burial will follow at the City of Levelland Cemetery in Levelland, Texas, at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials for Kenneth Basye be made to White River Youth Camp, 5522 27th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79407, or to the Blessing Center at Greenlawn Church of Christ, 5701 19th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79407.

Serving as pallbearers are Austin Basye, Tyson Basye, Jordan Basye, Jon Basye, Kendon Stark, Jordan Withrow, Brett Dennis and Trenton Jackson.

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