Herb Bashaw, 81

Herb Charles Bashaw, 81, of Villisca, passed away Friday, April 20, 2012, at the Villisca Good Samaritan Society.  

Herb Bashaw was born to Harry H. and Ethel Marie (Lofgren) Bashaw Feb. 25, 1931, near Stanton. He graduated from Villisca High School in the class of 1948.

Herb married Wilma Lynam Aug. 5, 1951, in Villisca.

He served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1948-1957, becoming Master Sgt. and serving on the Drill Team. Herb started farming in 1948, and moved back to the home farm in 1974. His son, Tom, now lives on the home place.  

Herb was involved in many community activities including being a 4-H leader in East Township for nine years, Vice President of the Farm Bureau, President of the Coop for two years, Villisca City Council member, member of the school board for many years (serving as President for two years), member of the Red Oak Elks Lodge and a long time member of the Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, SPPR and the Nominating Committee.

He enjoyed playing golf, reading history, traveling, especially their trip to Paris and he always enjoyed coffee with his friends at the elevator.  

Preceding Herb in death are his parents; brother, John; and sister, Mary Jo.  

Survivors include his wife, Wilma, of Villisca; children, Joel (Marlene) Bashaw, of Shenandoah, Jeanne Jones, of San Antonio, and Tom (Carolyn) Bashaw, of Villisca; grandchildren, Elizabeth Bashaw, of Omaha, Heidi (Eric) Eide, of Alexandria, Va., Todd Bashaw, of Shenandoah, Brent Jones, of San Antonio, Megan (Herb) Lukes, of Naperville, Ill., Brittany Bashaw and special friend Josh Wiig, of Red Oak, and Josh Bashaw, of Villisca; great-grandson, Grayson Eide, of Alexandria; and many other relatives and friends.  

A celebration of life service took place Sunday, April 22, at the Villisca United Methodist Church with Rev. Gordon Scott officiating. Visitation with the family was Sunday, April 22, at the Villisca United Methodist Church prior to the service.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Villisca United Methodist Church Trustees or the Montgomery County Relay for Life. Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak is in charge of arrangements.