Howard Bassford

Craig Bassford of Independence, KS passed away peacefully Wednesday Morning April 3rd at his residence surrounded by family and close friends. Craig was born January 23rd, 1947 in McCook, Nebraska to Howard and Helen Morehead Bassford who preceded him in death. He attended school in Cherryvale, KS, graduating in 1965. He then attended Coffeyville Community College and graduated with his B.S. in Business Administration from Emporia State University in 1969. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Bette Bassford and his daughter Amber Meinhardt and husband Mike of Columbia, Illinois and their children London and Mikah. He is also survived by his step daughter Julie Lair of Olathe, KS along with her husband Scott Pester and her children, Isabella and Cooper Line. And his step son, Matthew Lair of Dewey, OK and his wife Jennifer and their children, Brody, Avery, Carlee and Cason Lair. Additionally, he is survived by his brother's families Kent and Debbie Bassford of Wellington, KS and Barry and LaDonna Bassford of Miramar, FL; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Craig was an avid outdoorsman and a passionate fisherman boasting a prize lifetime catch of a 10-pound 2 oz Bass at Lake Fork, along with the 15-pound lunker that "just got away". He was a long-time member of his local Bass Club and enjoyed taking many trips with his friends to area lakes for tournaments or simply to be on the lake where he was happiest. He was a servant to his community spending several years as an active member in the Chamber of Commerce and served as Chamber Chairman in 1997. He was also instrumental in supporting and leading the FORPAZ group to help make many of the improvements to Riverside Park and Zoo. During most of his career he worked for Automotive Controls Corporation (ACC) in Independence, serving faithfully and developing many friendships, retiring as the Customer Service Manager. In his retirement he began working part time out of the Farmers Agency in Coffeyville, KS due to his love for helping and interacting with others. He and his wife Bette attended the Nazarene Church of Independence and made many wonderful friends through their fellowship. The family would also like to thank the many friends within the community who have offered their support during this time.

Services will be held at Potts Chapel in Independence, on Monday April 8th at 10:00am. The Family will have visitation at the Potts Chapel from 4-6pm, Sunday April 7th for those who wish to pay their respects. Interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale following the services. The family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider donating to a local charity of your choice. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit www.pottsfuneralhome.com.

Visitation

Service