Joseph Morris Baskin

Joseph was born in Bristow, Oklahoma, June, 1941 of James Evan and Geneva Frances Baskin. 

His father James performed geological survey work which led the family far and wide. 

Upon settling for some time in the Houma Louisiana region, Joseph found his formative years in the graces of great teachers, the greatest his father, whom he accompanied in the field. 

These years would yield many experiences, friends, and memories.

Joe was a steady member of his high school student council and a leader among peers.

He then continued with further education at Louisiana State University. 

In 1961 he enlisted in the United States Air Force which began an exciting path forward. 

With determination he excelled in stages of training and continued this pursuit with diligence.

During his first assignment at Bergstrom AFB, Austin, TX, Joe met and married his loving wife Valerie and welcomed his first son Robert. An early challenge was orders for a remote overseas assignment to Turkey for 15 months, after which he was sent to Duluth, MN where he welcomed his second son Rick. 

Further assignments included Biloxi, Mississippi; Tucson, Arizona; Okinawa, Japan; and Tacoma, Washington. Within these were also multiple unaccompanied tours to South Korea. 

During his military career, Joe and his family shared countless unique experiences. 

He retired from the Air Force as Chief Master Sergeant (E9) with honors after 24 years of service.

His valued experience transitioned him into 20 years of defense related contract work. 

After his second retirement, Joe returned to the Texas-Oklahoma region where many more memorable moments were made with family and friends. With the unending support of his wife of 62 years, Joe lived a meaningful and fulfilling life indeed.

Joe will rest with final honors and ceremony at 10:00 a.m. SHARP at The Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. 

Immediately following the service there will be a Memorial Gathering and Lunch at The Holiday Inn, 310 E. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, TX, 76541.

Valerie and the Baskin family extend very grateful thanks to those who join in celebrating his life.

Joe was preceded by his parents James Evan and Geneva Frances Baskin and sister Mary Ellen Peacock.

He is survived by his wife Valerie Agnes Baskin, son Robert Wade Baskin, son Rick Evan Baskin, Rick’s wife Karen Louise Baskin, their children Rachael R. Volker and Nolan G. Thomas, Mary Ellen’s sons Michael Lawrence Peacock and James Curry Peacock, brother John Clifton Baskin, John’s wife Diana, their sons Jason Tyler Baskin and Jeremy Eugene Baskin.

In lieu of flowers, charitable gifts in Joe’s honor may be sent to the following two organizations:

Youth Connection PO Box 20984 Waco, Texas 76702

Gloryland Ministries International PO Box 154731 Waco, Texas 76715