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In memory of

Daniel "Pops" Andrew Basham Sr.

Helendale, CA, USA

June 1, 1954 - August 28, 2020

Jun 1, 1954 - Aug 28, 2020

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In Memory of Daniel Andrew Basham Sr.

Daniel Andrew Basham Sr., 66, of Helendale, CA, died on August 28, 2020 of natural causes after a long and complicated health battle.

Most people called him either Danny or "Pops" and he was born on June 1, 1954 to Wyatt Henry Basham and Lee Ella Grayson in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He spent his childhood in Compton, CA, where his faith was nurtured in the church community. He channeled that faith into music, teaching himself guitar and organ to play in the church choir. He later began playing other instrum_ents during high school and joined the marching band playing French horn and trumpet.

Danny graduated from Compton High School a year early at age 17 in 1971 and went on to enlist in the United States Navy. He was the first African American from Compton to qualify for the Nuclear Power Program. Once again, his love of music landed him in the Navy band, this time playing bass drum. He was an all-around gifted musician.

Danny was only married once, to Sharon Denise Doss, a childhood friend that lived in the same neighborhoods as he did throughout their childhood. They wed in 1972, going on to have 3 children, Leila Lashawn Durant (1973), Latrice Lynette Torres (1977), and Daniel Andrew Basham, Jr. (1979). Daniel and Sharon were married 15 years and remained friends as their children became adults.

Professionally, Daniel spent 12 years in the Navy (1973-1985), as a Nuclear Reactor Operator aboard a large Boomer Submarine, the USS George C. Marshall, intermittently deploying for months at a time in the middle of several seas across the world. He often told stories of sleeping on submarine bunks directly above nuclear missiles as he traveled the world and enjoyed experiences that broadened his perspective on what happiness meant for him. As his trade, he was a nuclear technician and this skill set translated from the Navy to the civilian world into a career as an electronic technician for Lanier Medquist, servicing technology in hospital systems throughout Reno, Nevada and later, Southern California (1985-2012).
His move to Reno prompted a new passion for an old love - football. He became a well-respected football coach for the local children's league, the SYFL—there are many kids and parents that love and admire "Pops" in Reno. He was also passionate about the Los Angeles Lakers, through all ups and downs, cheering them on and often commentating louder and more passionately than the announcers!

His retirement caused his relocation back to California where his oldest daughter Leila welcomed him into her home. There he was able to connect with his great-grandchildren, bouncing them on his knee and watching his favorite past-time, cartoons. Up until his health issues began, Danny was part-time working and part-time grandpa-ing.

Danny was predeceased by his grandmother who played a large part in raising him, as well as his mother, father, brother Mack Henry, stepbrother Marcus Hutson Sr., and grandson Dejon Basham. He is survived by his 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, his stepsister Carolyn and stepbrother Michael, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews—too numerous to name. Danny loved his family and was well loved…he will always be well remembered.

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