Jack Basham, 86, of Hillsboro died June 20, 2025, at his home. Mr. Basham was baptized at Sandy Creek Covered Bridge and was a member of Sandy Baptist Church, where he served as a bus driver, gathering kids for Sunday school. He was ordained as a deacon in the spring of 1981. He also was a trustee and caretaker of the church cemetery. He volunteered many hours with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team. He was a skilled journeyman machinist, working for Grand Manufacturing for 28 years and Missouri Power Transmission for 24 years. During a layoff, he worked as a Pevely Sinclair gas station service attendant. His strong work ethic began early in life, when he lived in Oregon and worked in the logging industry. He had a passion for classic and hot rod cars, often participating in car shows and swap meets. He was known for working with his hands, sharing stories and helping those in need. He will be remembered for his kindness and as a man of strength and integrity. Born March 24, 1939, in Shannon County, he was the son of the late Jack and Bertha Mae Basham.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years: Carol Barnett Basham, whom he married on April 25, 1959; three children: Jackie (Debbie) Basham, Tammy (David) Diveley and Doug (Lisa) Basham; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a brother: Dan Basham of Winona; a sister: Phyllis Baker of Lebanon; a brother-in-law: David Barnett (Linda) of Summersville; a sister-in-law: Evelyn Wells (Johnny) of Rolla; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Truman, Ron and Jerry Basham.
The family would like to thank friends, family and the hospice team, Ruth, Jenny and Mark, for their care. Visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until a funeral service at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Sandy Baptist Church, 9331 Sandy Church Road, in Hillsboro. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary-Robert Brown Chapel in Hillsboro.