William “Bill” Scott Basford, 87, of Apollo Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026. He was born on September 20, 1938, in Canton, Ohio.
Bill grew up in East Sparta Ohio and graduated from Sandy Valley High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University in 1960 and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity before proudly serving his country in the United States Army Artillery, including a deployment to Germany. After college he spent many years in Wooster, Ohio, where he dedicated himself to education as a mathematics teacher at Triway High School from 1965 to 1975. He then enjoyed a successful career in Human Resources and Operations at Wayne County National Bank, retiring in 1999.
During his time in Wooster, he built lifelong memories while enjoying family camping trips with neighbors and friends.
Following his retirement, he moved to Medina, Ohio, while spending winters in Apollo Beach, Florida. In 2023, he made Apollo Beach his permanent home, where he embraced an active and fulfilling retirement.
A devoted community member, Bill generously gave his time through the Optimist Club, Ruritan, Junior Achievement, and the Triway Local School District Board of Education. In retirement, he fully embraced the Florida lifestyle, enjoying rides with the local bicycle club, spirited games of Euchre and Mexican Train dominoes, and traveling extensively with family and friends. His greatest adventures were cruising the world’s oceans, where he created countless cherished memories.
Above all, Bill was a devoted family man. He treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and milestones. His kindness, steady guidance, quick wit, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him.
Bill is survived by his loving fiancée, Coni Forney; his children, Wayne (Rosemary) Basford, Jinni (John) Krause, and Jill (Jack) Abelarde; his eight grandchildren, Lindsey (Alec) Patterson, Scott (Emily) Basford, Emily (Pedro) Basford Franco, Kevin Krause, Connor Krause, Christian Abelarde, Sean Abelarde, and Chloe Abelarde; his six great-grandchildren, Lillian, Levi, Aly, Sophia, Olivia, and Kaylie; his brother, Larry (Paulie) Basford; and many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Jeanette (Barbara) (nee Van Schaack); his parents, Walter and Kenna (nee Harrison) Basford; and his sister, Kay Weisen and brother-in-law Arlow “Bud” Weisen.
A local memorial service will be held Thursday, July16, 2026 at 4:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E Larwill Street, Wooster.
Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the funeral home
On Friday July 17 at 10:15 AM, Bill will be laid to rest at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville. A procession will form at the funeral home at 9:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Bill will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, dedication to his community, adventurous spirit, and the lasting friendships he built throughout his life. His legacy of kindness, integrity, and quiet strength will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
My sincere condolences to Bill’s family. Many good memories as a student of his and of his work at Wayne County National Bank and as a friend – a good man.
He remains a great Dad, wonderful Grandpa, and good friend to all that knew him…he will be missed and always warmly remembered…..
So sorry to hear this. Mr. Basford was one of my favorite teachers at Triway. Prayers for his family and friends.
Condolences to family and friends.was a wonderful math teacher. I’d get stuck with math he would always help me figure it out. I was very grateful to have hi as my math teacher.
Rest in peace Mr Basford.
What a great acquaintance and teacher I met and worked with Bill in many different instances and as I looked back they were all such good experiences for me. I wish the family well and may you rest in peace Bill.
Jill, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We hope you find comfort in the love of family and friends, and in the many wonderful memories you shared with him. May those memories bring you peace in the days ahead. Sending our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to all of you.