Howard Basinger, Sr.

HOWARD E. BASINGER, Sr. - PUTTING CHILDREN FIRST
ALWAYS AN OPEN DOOR FOR  SMALL TALK

"If Howard ever needed a slogan to enter the annals of what is best for early education, it would have been to put children first and always have an open door for small talk. He left students a long-lasting example of understanding, patience and friendship," said his wife. He was a teacher for seven years and a principal for twenty-three years in Deer Park, Ohio, Primary and Elementary Schools. In summing the memories of those who worked for and "with" Mr. Basinger, teacher Isabel Hall wrote, "He was considered fair, just, compassionate, understanding, and always sensitive to the needs of others. He was consistent in considering teachers his fellow colleagues, valuing their opinions, and trusting their judgement. In addition to all these things, his positive outlook, his friendly nature, and his marvelous sense of humor gained him the respect and admiration of us all."  Dr. Thomas Ellinger, Superintendent of Dependents Overseas Schools with the Department of Defense wrote that "Howard was my first and best principal and mentor. He enabled me to begin a successful career in education around the world."
Mr. Basinger was a member of the Sycamore-Deer Park Kiwanis for many years. Along with many offices he held  was Kiwanis Chairman of Committees for Underpriveleged Children and Vocational Guidance. His interest in the exceptional child also led him to accept the presidency of the local chapter of the National Association for Gifted and Talented Children.
Basinger enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and served with the 88th Infantry Division in North Africa and Italy as a combat medic. Among the many medals  he received the Bronze Star for heroic achievement. His unit was deep in the Italian Alps when war ended in 1945. He wrote to his father, "There was no celebrating on V-J Day among the soldiers. We were of course very, very, thankful that there would be no more of our buddies making the supreme sacrifice. All we want now is to get out of the Army and get home to try and forget the slaughter we've seen." His son, Stephen said of this experience, "Dad fought in a 'war that changed the world.' He volunteered in America's effort to help restore world order, to fight the tyrannical evil of Nazi Germany. He personally witnessed the horrors of war, and showed through his actions in his long life how to live in peace. Our family is proud of his service to this country and to education."
After World War II he returned to Xavier University and received a degree of Master in Education. Three years later he married a school teacher, Elaine Alf. They moved to Montgomery and have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of Howard and Patricia (Leaman), Martha, David, Stephen and Deborah (Miller) and Deborah (dec.), and grandparents of Derrick and Elizabeth (Koester), Christina and Adam Basinger and Corrine (Basinger) and Timothy Trumble. He is the son of the late Dr. Adam P. and Martha (Mattie Rhude) Basinger of Blanchester and Terrace Park, OH, and the brother of the late Beatrice and  Maurine.
Visitation will be held at Vorhis and Ryan Funeral Home, 5501 Montgomery Rd.,  Norwood, OH on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from 5 until 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at The Community of the Good  Shepherd Church, 8815 East Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Suggested Memorials: Hospice of Cincinnati, c/o Bethesda Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH 45263-3597 for Holistic Care, or to The Community of the Good Shepherd for the Bereavement Ministry.