William Basler

William Smith Basler of Bonne Terre passed away on Monday, March 12, 2007, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, at the age of 78 years. He was born on April 8, 1928, in Gary, IN, the son of the late Leo and Gertrude (Harter) Basler. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Thelma (Hulsey) Basler, a brother, Lindell Basler, and three infant grandchildren. Mr. Basler was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Park Hills. He worked as a carpenter and retired from A & M Construction Company in St. Louis. He was a member of the Carpenters Union. He enjoyed gardening and fishing. He was a wonderful friend to many and always ready to help those in need. His family loved him dearly and will miss him with all their hearts. That includes his two sons, Francis Basler (Sherry) of Bonne Terre, and Tim Basler (fiance, Vicki Johnson) of Farmington, three daughters, Glen Anne Ragsdale (Jerry) of Desloge, Brownie Conway (Michael) of Bonne Terre, and Lisa (Ellsworth) Kalawaia of Bonne Terre, a brother, Francis Basler of St. Louis, four sisters-in-law, Ruth Basler, Fae Underwood, Betty Mitchell, and Mary Beth Basler, fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many cherished friends also survive. Friends may call at the Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March15, 2007. The Wake will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Park Hills. Burial will follow at St. Francois Memorial Park. Memorials to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or American Cancer Society will be greatly appreciated.