Anthony (Tony) Eugene Basel, 95, of Netawaka, KS, passed away in death at home in Holton, KS, on Tuesday, January 13, 2022.  

He was born October 26, 1926, in Eureka, KS, the son of John Harvey and Mary Anna Johana (Hoefler) Basel.  He married Dorothy Gladys Jorgensen 73 years ago on September 23, 1948, in Washington, KS. 

Tony grew up and attended school in the Holton area.  After serving in the Army during WWII, he worked in construction for 15 years.  In 1960, he began his dream job of farming and ranching.  He worked for Jackson Heights High School, USD #335, as head of maintenance from 1969 to 1991.  He was often the resource for information about the Jackson Heights school buildings, having worked as a guard at the missile base where Jackson Heights High School was built, and on the construction of the new high school.  His life has had a positive effect on countless people, young and old, as he enjoyed hard work and helping others.  He will be remembered for his friendly wide grin and for challenging many a young man with a hearty handshake.

On June 27, 1992, he was baptized as a Christian Witness of Jehovah God and was a member of the Holton Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.         

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Linda Hagg (Jim) of Ottawa, KS, son, Dale Basel (Deborah) of Topeka, KS; son, John Basel (Cheryl) of Emporia, KS; son, Robert Basel (Shelly) of Whiting, KS; 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Louise Bickford, Holton, Dorothy Cox, Holton, and Evelyn Vincent (Bob), Topeka; 3 brothers, George Basel, Abilene, KS, Harlan Basel (Sarah), Gainesville, FL, Walter “Butch” Basel (Nancy), Lincoln, NE;

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Basel; 2 sisters, Mae Elizabeth Basel and Rovida Colton; and 5 brothers, John H. Basel, Jr., Daniel (Doc) Basel, Roy Basel, Arthur Basel, and Charles Basel.

Tony will lie in state at Mercer Funeral Home from 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 20 and Friday, January 21, 2022.  A funeral service will be held by video conference via ZOOM on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 1:30 pm. The ZOOM meeting ID will be:  857 1576 8888 and “1Beloved” will be the Passcode.

Burial will be at a later date at the Holton Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.