Donald Basham, 81 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died at 4:24 pm Saturday, September 3, 2011 at the Fort Madison Community Hospital, Fort Madison, Iowa. He was born February 8, 1930 at Galesburg, Illinois, a son of Andrell and Geneva (McGee) Basham. On January 20, 1953, he married Ruth K. Swanson at Galesburg, Illinois. She survives.

Don was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1947 - 1967. He served overseas during the Korean War. He moved to Fort Madison in 1968. He was a machinist and worked for Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, Murray Trane Corporation, and the Burlington Northern Railroad for 17 years. After retirement he worked for Huffman Welding and Machine, Fort Madison. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was passionate about woodworking.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Basham, of Fort Madison, Iowa; three sons: Mike (wife Connie) Basham, of Fort Madison, Iowa; Ken Basham, of Fort Madison, Iowa; and Bob Basham, of Denmark, Iowa; two daughters, Linda (husband Dale) Basham-Lane, of Argyle, Iowa and Kathy (husband Jeff) Stone, of Kahoka, Missouri; one brother, Charles (wife Cindy) Basham, of Galesburg, Illinois; one sister, Doris (husband Don) Call, of Wataga, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Aaron (wife Kristy) DeBuhr, Nichole Ray, Kate Basham, Ben Basham, Kali Basham, Marisa Basham, and Ryley Basham; and two great grandsons, Robby and D.J. Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Robert Basham, and one grandson, Tony DeBuhr.

His family will greet friends from 6:00 - 7:00 pm Tuesday evening, September 6, 2011 at the Barr Memorial Chapel. His body will be cremated following the visitation. Full military rites and burial of his cremated remains will be held at 1:30 pm Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Keokuk National Cemetery, Keokuk, Iowa. A memorial has been established, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.