SSG (Ret) Theodore Barnett Basford

SSG (Ret) Theodore B. Basford, son of the late Harry Aumann and Cladith Evelyn (Stone) Basford, was born June 22, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri where he grew up and attended school. Ted enlisted the United States Army and served his country faithfully for 24 years until his retirement. He started his time at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training and also served in Georgia, Kentucky, Korea, Germany, and served two tours in Vietnam. Ted earned several awards and commendations: some of which include: Good Conduct Medal 3rd Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, 2 Overseas Bars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Valorous Unit Award. He returned back to Fort Leonard Wood before his retirement. On May 21, 1955, Ted was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Mann in St. Louis, Missouri. They shared over 46 years of marriage together before she preceded him in death on February 24, 2002. Ted and Barbara were blessed with five children: Teddie, Thomas, Troy, Trent, and Tracie. In addition to Barbara’s passing, Ted was preceded in death by their son, Thomas. Shortly after retiring from the military, Ted and his family moved to St. Louis for several years and in the mid-2000s returned to the Waynesville area, where he stayed until his passing. Ted was a hardworking man and took great pride in providing for his family. While living in St. Louis, he worked as a safety officer at Lambert Airfield and while in the Waynesville area, he served as a police officer for the St. Robert Police Department and a Deputy with the Pulaski County Sherriff’s Department. Ted also owned and operated B&B Electrical and Plumbing Co. for several years. In his spare time, Ted enjoyed going to the casino and watching Westerns. His greatest pleasure came from spending time with his grandchildren and also attending family gatherings. Ted joined the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM in 1969 and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also a member of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine of Springfield, Missouri, was a past Commander of the Legion of Honor and a member of the Corvette Club. Ted passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018, in his home in Waynesville having attained the age of 80 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Ted leaves to cherish his memory, his four children, Teddie Ries (Mike) of Waynesville, MO, Troy Basford of Waynesville, MO, Trent Basford (Peggy) of Waynesville, MO, and Tracie Dery (George) of Troy, MO; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Mildred Tate of St. Robert, MO; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, wife and son, Ted was preceded in death by one sister, Shirley Sutton and one grandson, Steven Ries. Masonic Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Legion of Honor services following with Chaplain Bobby Pinegar officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” performed by Elvis Presley were played. Serving as escorts were BJ Benton, Cecil Davis, George Valentino, Vern Hendrix, Nick Roth, Jerry Morgan, Joey Curtman and Frank Sanchez. Serving as honorary escorts were Mike Ries and Robert Brenner. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ted Basford to the Shriner’s Childrens’ Hospital or the Legion of Honor and may be left at the funeral home.

SSG (Ret) Theodore Barnett Basford

June 22, 1937 - April 28, 2018