March 28, 2024

Bob Basler — Lenox

Bob Basler, 85, of Lenox died Dec. 15, 2014, at Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston.

Celebration of life memorial services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at Lenox United Methodist Church. Visitation with family present will be 11 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Private family interment of ashes will be held prior to the services. Ritchie Funeral Home, 124 S. Main St., Lenox, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given in Bob's name. Online condolences may be left at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com.

Robert Eugene Basler, son of Fred and Amelia Wurster Basler, was born July 29, 1929, in Lenox.

Bob attended Country School Grant No. 5 through eighth grade and graduated from Lenox High School in 1946.

After graduation, he worked for Wiand Hatchery and Produce.

In September 1948, he married Dorthy Pennebaker. The couple then moved in with his father and began farming.

In 1962, they bought a farm in Sharpsburg where they raised their family. Bob had a grain and livestock farm there from 1948-80. Along with the farming, he was also a relief truck driver. Over the years, he drove for Pete Miller Trucking, Corning Feed and Supply and Barrans Feed and Grain.

After a farm sale in 1980, they made McAllen, Texas, their permanent home. He took over management of Paradise Park, retiring after 10 years. After retiring, Bob and Dorthy were asked to be co-managers at the new retirement facility owned by Holiday Retirement, later on, becoming fill-ins and traveling to other facilities in several states. In January 2007, they sold their mobile home and moved back to Lenox to be closer to family.

Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star for more than 50 years. He was a Past Patron of Eastern Star.

Bob is survived by his wife Dorthy of Lenox; daughter Cynthia (husband Marvin) Lodes of Omaha, Neb.; son Steven (wife Susan) Basler of Sharpsburg; brother-in-law Roland (wife MaryLou) Pennebaker of Mount Ayr; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother Paul Basler; sisters and brothers-in-law, Letha and Walter Wurster and Freda and Clyde Davis; in-laws, Dr. E.R. Pennebaker and Bessie; sister-in-law Dr. Dorothy M. Pennebaker; nephew Dr. Gary Pennebaker; and grandson Murphy Fry.