B.A. Basham, 97, of De Leon, Texas, passed away Friday, December 25, 2015, at Comanche County Medical Center.

B.A. was born January 2, 1918, in Ballinger, Texas, to Burnell and Avo Basham. He grew up and attended schools in Coryell County, Texas, and graduated from Gatesville High School. He married Elvie Cotton on May 3, 1941, in Bethany Baptist Church in King, Texas.

He was a life-long cowboy and stockman, with many of his years spent working on the Bar S-Rocker b Ranch near Big Lake in West Texas. De Leon became his home following his retirement. He and Elvie were long-time members of First Baptist Church of De Leon.

Preceding him in death were his parents; step-father, Chock Black; wife, Elvie; sister, Billie Jean Skelton; and sister-in-law, Dorthy Basham.

Survivors include two sons, Dwayne Basham and wife, Anita of Lubbock, and Ronnie Basham of De Leon; granddaughter, Christina McGehee and her sons, Milo and Eli of Little Rock, Arkansas; and brother, Jim Ed Basham of Mertzon, Texas.

The Basham family wishes to thank Dr. Dwayne Miller and the entire staff at CCMC as well as CCMC Hospice. Also, we are very appreciative of De Leon Nursing Home staff for the care and attention shown towards B.A.

Graveside funeral services were held Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. in King Cemetery near Gatesville, Texas.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children at 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas, 75219, or to the West Texas Boys Ranch at P.O. Box 5665, Lubbock, Texas 79408, or the charity of your choice, in memory of B.A.