Robert Terrill Basinger, 67, of Red Oak, Texas died Thursday, December 26, 2019 in Tulsa after spending Christmas Day with his two sisters Kay and Kim and their families. Robert was born October 28, 1952 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma to Robert J. and Trula G. Basinger. Robert grew up in Sapulpa and was known as Terry in school. He graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1970 and attended Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s in English in 1974.
After graduation his first teaching job was at Okmulgee Public Schools from August 1978 – June 1980, followed by Kellyville Public Schools from August 1980 – June 1984, Tulsa Job Corp Center June 1984 – August 1989, Tulsa Junior College from September 1988 – December 1988 and Cushing Child Service Demonstration Center from August 1989 – December 2002. He then moved to Texas and taught at Killeen Public Schools from January 2003 – July 2004, Desoto Public Schools from August 2004 – December 2012 and Texas Torah Institute from September 2005 – June 2011.
Robert loved teaching, traveling, visiting museums and libraries and classical music. However, by far his greatest joy was his loving daughter Kate. He was active in his community politically and civically and served as City Commission in Cushing, Oklahoma.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents Robert J. and Trula G. Basinger and his nephew Nick Sparks.
He is survived by his only daughter Kate Olivia Basinger of Aubrey, Texas; two sisters Kay (Basinger) Sparks and husband Jeff, Kim (Basinger) Bryan and husband Dan; nephews Jason Sparks and wife Kelsey and Barrett Bryan; niece Katlyn Bryan; great-niece Hartley Bryan; great-nephews Aidan Sparks and Phoenix Boggs; dear friends Kathleen Giese and Joe Fortier and many more aunts, uncles and cousins.
In lieu of flowers donations to Robert’s favorite charity can be made to the Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
There will be a visitation Thursday, January 2, 2020 from 6-8pm at the Traditions Funeral Chapel in Kellyville. Services will be 2:00pm, Friday, January 3, 2020 at Praise Center Ministries, 5672 E. Hwy 117 in Sapulpa. Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services.