Donald Day Basham

 Mr. Donald Day Basham, age 89, of Muldraugh, KY, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown, KY.  He was born on June 9, 1936, the son of Forrest and Emma (Walker) Basham. 

     Mr. Basham was a longtime member of Muldraugh United Methodist Church, a 50 year mason with Barker Lodge #129 F.&A.M. in West Point, KY, and also a member of the Rainbows.  Mr. Basham worked for LG&E, the City of Muldraugh, and retired from the City of Louisville at Otter Creek Park where he served in maintenance and was a Park Ranger.

     Mr. Basham was preceded in death by his and his wife of 59 years, Patricia; his parents; his son, Dennis Michael Basham; his sister, Patricia Curl; and two brothers, Kenneth and Robert “Bobby” Basham.  He is survived by four children, John (Karen) Basham, Canton, NY, Tracey (Mike) Decker, Stacey (Charlie) Ashbaugh, both of Brandenburg, KY, and Jason Basham, Muldraugh, KY; his bonus daughter, Iva Wimp; seven grandchildren, Nick, Katy, Matthew and Krystal Basham, Kristina (Jordan) Reichmuth, Andrew Clark, and Sara (James Devine) Ashbaugh; nine great grandchildren; his brother, Pete Basham, Hannawa Falls, NY; and two sisters, Ellen “Sissy” (Gary) Masterson, West Point, KY, and Mary Margaret “Ninnie” (Dennis) Persianni, Flaherty, KY.

     Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the chapel of the Hager Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Dan Paddack officiating.  The service will be live streamed on the funeral home youtube page, which can be accessed on Mr. Basham’s obituary on the funeral home website the day of the service.  Burial will follow in Garnettsville Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until 6:00 PM on Sunday, and from 9:00 AM until the time of service on Monday.  Masonic Funeral Rites will be held at 5:30 PM Sunday afternoon at the funeral home.  Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Masonic Home in Louisville, KY.  Online condolences may be left at www.hagerfuneralhome.com.

 No matter how much time passes, I can’t let you go Dad. You were my hero, my guide, and my safe place. I carry your love with me everyday, and even though you’re gone, you’ll always be here – in my heart, in my thoughts, in every breath I take. – T