Freddie “Fred” Ben Basham, 87, was born in Eastland, TX and passed away in Houston, TX February 11, 2013. Fred joined the US Army Air Corp in 1943 and served during WWII as a pilot. He then served in the US Air Force Reserve for 25 years and retired with the rank of Major. He was a graduate of Texas A&M University and began his career at Shell Oil as an engineer. In 1962, Fred was recruited as an agent with State Farm Insurance and retired after 33 successful years. Throughout his career, Fred was very active in Bellaire politics and served as president of the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce. He was involved in numerous charitable causes and very active in the local service organizations. Fred was recognized by the community of Bellaire as one of its most respected business leaders. One of his greatest joys was spending weekends at his farm. The time he spent there brought back fond memories of his childhood. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 52 years, Claudia Basham. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Hichens and Sally Easterling; son-in-law Arthur Hichens; grandchildren, Ryan & Clayton Farley and Amanda & Matthew Easterling; and 4 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11:00 am on Friday, February 15, 2013 at the Chapel of the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Fred’s name to the American Stroke Association/American Heart Association at https://donate.americanheart.org/ecommerce/donation/ . We wish to express our sincere gratitude to his loving caregiver, Theresa, doctors, and nursing home.
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