Robert (Bob) Basden

Robert "Bob" Basden, 65, of Jerusalem Township, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Bob was born on April 7, 1961, in Toledo, Ohio, to Albert and Dorothy (Liebherr) Basden. As the eleventh of twelve children, he learned early that life wasn’t always easy and that if something had to be done, you put your head down and you work. Those lessons stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Morrison R. Waite High School in 1979 and spent more than 30 years at Toledo Jeep, retiring as a Team Leader in the Body Shop in 2019 where he was a proud UAW Local 12 member. Through that work, he built a life he was proud to share with his family.

Bob found his greatest peace outdoors. Whether he was in a duck blind before sunrise or casting a line out on the boat, that’s where he was happiest. His appreciation for God's creation reflected a quiet but steadfast faith. He taught his daughters lessons that have stayed with them throughout their lives, including one that became second nature: whenever an ambulance passed by, they stopped and said a prayer for the person inside. It was a simple act that spoke volumes about the faith he learned as a child and carried with him throughout his life.

In 2007, Bob married Cindy (Reynolds), and together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and adventure. They enjoyed traveling together, especially taking cruises, and made the most of every opportunity to explore somewhere new. Through it all, they were partners, and Bob cherished the life they shared.

To his grandchildren, Grandpa was hardworking and dependable, and he always showed up with goodies for the kids. Whether swimming in the backyard or simply being present, he loved his family. Nothing made him prouder than watching his family continue to grow.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 20 years, Cindy Basden; daughters, Carly (Damion) Allen, Bobbi Basden, Dr. Kelly (Dr. Joshua) Lawrie, Lindee (Corey) Basden-Autman, and stepdaughter Heather West; grandchildren, Jaiden Cope, Kade Basden, Keelie Basden, Damion Allen Jr., Daniel Allen, Corey Autman II, Danica Allen, Anneliese Lawrie, Jaycee Johnson, Emmeline Lawrie. He was equally proud to be Grandpa to Austin, Jennah, Lily, and Maya West; and great-grandpa to Wrenley and Myles; siblings Nora (Jesse) Chapa, Bonnie Bennett, Nancy (Howard) Rudes, Peggy (John) Fejes, Dorothy Gadus, Joe (Laurie) Basden, and Patricia Basden-McGorty; dear friend "Hillbilly" Ron Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jeanette Carr, William Basden, Maryann Basden, and Fred Basden; his best friend, John Gadus; Susan (Kohn) Basden, the mother of his daughters; and beloved nephews Donne “Bino” Laurell and John Karl “Jonco” Gadus Jr.

Every fisherman hopes to find that perfect spot – one where the water is calm and the fish are always biting. We know Bob has found his. The next time you find yourself on the water, take a moment to remember him and say a prayer.

Visitation will be held at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd., on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., where a funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are appreciated to Humane Ohio https://humaneohio.org/donate-now/ in memory of Bob, who had a soft spot for stray cats that wandered onto their property. More than a few found a food, shelter, and, for a lucky few, a permanent home.