Fredrick C. Basham, 66, of Zionsville passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, in Rensselaer, Indiana. He was born on January 11, 1954, in Lafayette, IN, the son of Marilyn (Knowles) and John R. Basham, Sr. He graduated from Southwestern High School in 1972. He apparently wasn’t kidding when he told his family recently, “This is the last truck I’m buying.”
Fred worked at Eli Lilly Tippecanoe Labs for 25 years beginning when he was 18. Later he worked for his friend at Luck Express before working for the big boss, his wife, Cynthia, at State Farm in Rensselaer. Wherever Fred worked or lived he was well known and liked by many. More than anything, he loved a good laugh.
A lifelong musician, Fred was a gifted singer and guitarist who entertained many people over the years. Some of his fondest memories include his gospel quartet, Higher Ground. As much as he was known for his smooth lead voice and love of the Lord, he was also known for his jokes, like Diesel Fitter. Freddie, as his closest friends called him, always looked forward to his weekly breakfasts with the guys at Shellie’s, sitting court-side with his brother at Purdue basketball games, and tailgating at football games, always surrounded by Brunos Pizza and good friends.
Fred loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Cynthia; children Ryan (Jennifer) Basham of Plainfield, Jessica (Darin) Leman of Towanda, IL, Brooke (Tony) Escobar of Morton, IL; step-children Steve (Elena) Gauger of Powell, OH, and Jennifer (David) Gauger of Zionsville; grandchildren Brooklyn and Beau Basham, Ashlyn and Duncan Hunley, Ethan, William, Micah, Hannah and Haven Leman, Evangeline, Cruz and Luca Escobar, Susha Karchenko, Michelle Cool, and Annelise Pluimer. He is also survived by brother John (Connie) Basham of Lafayette, sister Connie (Ed) Hannah of Greentown, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Due to current COVID restrictions, an immediate family only celebration of Fred’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13, 2020 followed by a drive-by visitation past the front steps of the Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home in Brookston (101 West 4th Street, Brookston) from 2-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly insists donations be made the Jasper or White County Food Pantries or a charity of the donor’s choice directed toward feeding the communities needy.
Fred’s memorial service will be recorded and available for all his extended family and friends to watch shortly after at: https://my.gather.app/remember/fredrick-basham
Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com
