Eugene Basinger

Eugene Basinger, 94, Milan, died at his home Friday, October 14, 2022. He was the oldest of nine children born to Della and Leonard Basinger on March 31, 1928, near Milan. Eugene spent his childhood years moving between Milan, Anthony, and many other southern cities while his father worked for the WPA.

When his father could not work, Eugene took jobs to help support his parents and siblings. He entered the Army at 18 and received the WWII Victory Medal and the Army Occupation Medal in Japan. Upon returning home, he worked various jobs and helped his uncle on the farm.

On May 7, 1950, Zelda Williams and Eugene Basinger were united in marriage at the Methodist Church in Argonia. They shared 72 years together while working side by side on the farm before her passing on August 1, 2022.

Eugene farmed, milked cows, and owned and operated the Lazy E Egg Ranch (delivering eggs to restaurants, nursing homes, and door-to-door in Wichita and the Wellington area). In 1960 “Daddy’s hands” built the house (he moved it to its current location and remodeled it) for his family. Eugene was still living in this house at the time of his death. Eugene was known to move a house, barn, outbuilding, etc. For years Eugene stocked a refrigerator with fresh milk, cream, butter, and eggs for the locals to purchase through the honor system for payment.

Eugene is survived by his daughters, Dana (Doug) Koehler of Mayfield; Lana Basinger of Mayfield; Kelly Basinger of Milan; sister, Linda Snyder of Wichita and brother, Thomas Basinger of Wilmer, Alabama; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, Zelda; parents, Della and Leonard; brothers: Jack, Edward, Harold, Bob, and Steve; sister, Nina Bergman; and granddaughter, Shannon Koehler.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 21, at the Milan Cemetery, followed by a celebration of Eugene and Zelda’s life with lunch at Dana and Doug Koehler’s, 608 West 30th Street South, Mayfield. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory with Good Shepherd Hospice. Contributions may be mailed or left with the funeral home. 

Share a memory, leave condolences or sign his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.