Robert H. Basinger
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Robert H. Basinger, 84, 1100 Dorris Heights Road, Harrisburg, died 7:40 a.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at Ferrell Hospital, Eldorado.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, May 1, 2010, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Eldorado. Burial will be in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2010, at Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado with a Rosary service at 5 p.m.
He was born Nov. 4, 1925, in Enfield to William Henry (Biggerstaff) Basinger. On Sept. 10, 1952, in Mt. Carmel, he married Catherine "Katie" (Dunkel), who preceded him in death on July 3, 1993.
He served in World War II in the Army's Civil Air Patrol. He was a soil and water conservationist from 1966 to 1980, serving both Saline and Gallatin counties. He served on the Saline County Soil and Water Conservation District Board from 1980 until his death. He was an avid farmer, practicing soil and water conservation, and loved hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Harrisburg American Legion for over 60 years. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Harrisburg.
He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Sally Basinger of Eldorado; a daughter, Teresa Basinger of Murphysboro; three brothers, Joseph Basinger of Enfield and Charles Basinger and John Basinger, both of New Buffalo, Mich.; six sisters, Betty Rubenacker of Union Pier, Mich., Helen Dunkel of New Buffalo, Mich., Lou Brent of Alton, Catherine Trapp of Danville, Ind., Clara Voyles of Crete and Eydie Ward of Sturgis, Mich.; two grandchildren, Bill Basinger and Dallas Basinger; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Charles Dean Basinger; and a daughter, Carol Ann Basinger.
For those who desire, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Church.
Online condolences may be made at the Internet site www.watsonfuneralhome.net.