Please join us in honoring the life and memory of our beloved father, Darrell Gene Basham. While we grieve his loss, we also give thanks for his remarkable life and the lasting legacy he leaves to his family, friends, and the Eastland community.
Darrell passed away on January 28, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Roof Garden Ballroom at The Connellee Hotel. Graveside services will immediately follow at Eastland Cemetery. We invite you to join us for a time of remembrance, reflection, and fellowship as we honor Darrell’s life and the many lives he touched.
Light fare and beverages will be provided.
He was born on February 18, 1937 in Eastland, Texas to Harvey Edward and Lula Mae Smith Basham. He was the oldest of two children. Darrell graduated from Eastland High School in 1955. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Darlene Joyce Johnson on August 30, 1956. Darrell resided in Eastland most of his life.
Darrell had many interests in his life. He was a big presence in his family’s life. He loved his children and his wife. There was no love purer. He adored his two grandsons and two great grandsons. He had the biggest smile when he talked about them and when speaking with them. He loved all of his family very much. He was employed with Texas Electric Service Company right after graduating from high school and retired after 37 years of service. He was very active for many years with his church, First Church of God aka Inspiration Church of God and the camp grounds associated with the church, Camp Inspiration.
He will be very missed. He made a friend everywhere he went. He was the best husband, dad, granddad and great granddad anyone could ask for.
His parents preceded him in death as well as his wife, Darlene Johnson Basham.
He is survived by a daughter, Delaine Vittitow and her husband Rick Vittitow of Jarrell, TX; a son, Darrell L Basham of Honolulu, Hawaii; two
randsons, Hatley Vittitow of Jarrell and Charles Vittitow and his wife Christina both of Jarrell; two great grandsons, Luke Vittitow and Isaac Vittitow both of Jarrell; one brother Lonnie Joe and his wife Brenda of Buda; sisters-in-law Sharon Russell of Mississippi and Judy Willard and her husband Darrell of Mesquite; five nieces, Monica Mills of Buda, Stacie Chronister of Buda, Lisa Torres of Dallas, Nicole Kittrell of Mississippi and Michelle Duron of Allen; along with eight great nieces and five great nephews and with numerous cousins and dear friends.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to a charity of your choice.
