Beech Tree News Network

R.O. Basham, 95, of Roundhill, Ky. passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at the Edmonson County Health Care in Edmonson County, KY. R.O. was born November 18, 1918 in Butler County, KY to the late Lester and Elsie Raymer Basham and was husband of the late Dorothy Earlene Hays Basham. Mr. Basham served in the U.S. Army during World War II and when his tour of duty was completed he returned to the life he enjoyed, farming. He was the first in his community to use the no-till method of planting row crops, served on the Board of Directors of Farm Bureau for over 35 years.
During that time he served on various committees and held offices of Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer, was recognized by Butler County Soil Conservation for 35 years of service, worked to institute a market for feeder pigs in our area, helped secure graded beef sales and served as chairman of Butler County Bull Leasing Program. He has also served on the following Boards, assuming leadership roles on Butler County Livestock Improvement Committee, Butler County Artificial Breeders Association, Southern States Advisory Board, FSA (ASCS) Community Committeeman, Big  Reedy Watershed, Butler County Beef Cattleman's Association, Butler County Fair Board, and the Butler County Extension Council.  He was instrumental in the organization and continued success of Reedyville Rural Development Club serving as President, Vice President and Trustee and on numerous committees.
Basham was a member of Mt. Pleasant Church of Christ, Reedyville Masonic Lodge, where he was a 50-plus year member, was instrumental  in organizing the Mammoth Cave Area Feeder Beef Calf Association and served many years as a Director.  He was also very instrumental in the young farmer programs in Butler County, providing them with seminars and programs necessary to begin or continue their farming programs. R.O. and Dorothy were 4-H Leaders and organized a 4-H Club within their community.  He was preceded in death by one daughter Joy Lee Basham; one sister, Glayds Owens; and three brothers, Olis, J.L. and Ray Basham.
R.O. Basham is survived by one daughter, Shirley Alexander husband Billy of Brownsville, KY.; one son, Oneal Basham and wife Mary Lynn of Roundhill, KY.; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the Jones Funeral Chapel on Saturday February 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Tom Hall officiating. Burial will be held in the Mt. Pleasant Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation is Friday January  31, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. until funeral time at 1:00 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.jonesfuneralchapel.com. Expression of sympathy may be made to the Reedyville Rural Development Center c/o Teresa Forshee, 262 Gus Stephens Rd. Roundhill, KY 42210.