John Baskin, Jr. was born July 16, 1938, to the late Ms. Susie Smithey and Mr. John Baskin, both of Montgomery, Alabama. John transitioned from this life to eternal life on August 19, 2020.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. from the chapel of Ross-Clayton Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: Walter Lee Frazier and David Frazier; 1 sister, Helen Baskin-Fleming.
John accepted Christ at an early age and joined First Baptist Church in 1963 and was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church for 57 years. He married the love of his life, Sondra Townsend, in this sanctuary on June 13,1965. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. Larry Williams. The First Baptist Church was also one of the gathering places to help organize the Bus Boycott, and John was an avid participant. He worked several hours each day to support the Boycott.
John graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in the class of 1957. He attended Alabama State University and various military classes. He heavily encouraged his children to pursue their education to the highest level.
John was a proud and honorable member of the United States Army, joining at the age of 19, in 1957. After 2 years of active duty service, he enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard in 1959, at the 167th Material Management Center, Montgomery, Alabama. John served in several positions throughout his career in the Alabama National Guard. He had 41 years of combined service to his country.
After retiring from the Army National Guard, John worked at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery at the Noncommissioned Officer Club. He was also a member of the Nostalgia Working Men’s Club, dedicated to community service, including for children in need. John was a long standing member of the Prince Hall Masons of Hamilton Lodge, #365 of Montgomery, Alabama.
John loved attending the Alabama State University games. He was a great cook and loved showing off his grilling skills at the Alabama State tailgate parties.
He loved his family immeasurably and wanted to see them all do well in life. His favorite thing to tell us was, "Oh by the way, I love you and don’t you ever forget it!" Dad would always want to know when we would be home to see him and needless to say, hated to see us leave. We will cherish that love he had for us and instilled instilled in us for the rest of our lives until we see him again. We love you and miss you so much, daddy!
He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife, Sondra Townsend-Baskin; 3 daughters: LaTangie Gardner, Del City, OK; Konda (Mike) Baskin-Jones, Knoxville, TN; Johnetta (Bobby) Baskin-White, Montgomery, AL; 2 sons: LeRon Baskin, Montgomery, AL; Brennis (Katisha) Baskin, Montgomery, AL; 9 grandchildren: Monique Gardner-Francis, Gilbert, AZ; Tiffany Gardner, Del City, OK; LeRon Baskin, Jr., San Antonio, TX; NaKiya Baskin, Montgomery, AL; Michael Keenan Jones, Knoxville, TN; Deven Jones, Knoxville, TN; Kristina Jones, Knoxville, TN; Brayden White, Montgomery, AL; 4 great grandchildren; 6 nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and special friends.
Text: Services will be live streamed- please see information below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8522916425? pwd=RWF6azdSSis4dDhBbUpaL2Y5eGFwQT09
Meeting ID: 852 291 6425 Passcode: 729367
We the Westside family (Day & Greyhound street) is sorry for the passing of JB. We miss his presence and support of the Westside. He will be in our memories. Rest in Peace Queen Esther Graham Mckenithen, Catherine Poole Nickens,& The Westside Family.
My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Sondra Baskin and family. As a former neighbor in John Brown Court, I offer my prayers for your comfort during this time of bereavement. Charles Varner, Jr.
Will call you Saundra, We love you] The Stevens
With Heartfelt Sympathy to The family We pray God will give you the strength to endure the pain durning your hours of bereavement Christabel, Carol and Carolyn Stevens
He was a very happy and outgoing person. You'll surely be missed my Military brother. Always remembered with a smile.
To the Family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Baskin, however, we know and are friends with his daughter, Konda. We met Konda and Mike 20 years ago in lamaze class. Our friendship has continued and grown since that time. And if knowing Konda is any inclination of how her father was, I know that he was a sweet and kind man, who was a dear friend to many. Konda, Bill and I know that you are a believer in Christ. And know that you will go to Him for refuge and strength during this time. Hold on to the memories you made over the years with your Dad. And rejoice in the fact that he is with Jesus and has been healed of all illnesses. We love you and if you need anything let us know. Bill and Stephanie Bailey
John Baskin,may you rest in peace; Ms. Belle Lee
EARNEST and VIRGINIA McCree expresses their deepest sympathy, we will keep the family in our prayers
Dear Family,
We were so sadden to hear of your loss, you have been in our thoughts and prayers. Deepest sympathy,
Lewis and Monica Washington
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.