Louis Basler, of Wartburg

February 11, 1933 – April 25, 2023

James “Louis” Basler, age 90 of Wartburg, TN passed away peacefully April 25, 2023 at Parkwest Medical Center with family by his side.

Louis was born on his family farm in the Joyner Community of Morgan County on February 11, 1933 where he lived almost his entire life.  He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wartburg and loved to sing in the choir.  After serving in the US Army based at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, he worked as a dairy farmer for many years before employment at the Morgan County Regional Prison as a guard.  He served on Board of Directors for Morgan Farmers Co-op and Morgan County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed planting roadside flowers, growing vegetables, especially corn, making peanut brittle, raising pumpkins, and known to many as the Pumpkin man. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Macel Basler, infant daughter Rose Ann Basler, infant sister Billie Basler.  Brothers, Jerry Basler and Bobby Basler, father and mother-in-law Carl and Thelma Heidel.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Arnetta, daughters Wanda (Johnny) Diden, and Carolyn (Bob) Jones, all of Wartburg.   Granddaughters Valerie (Dustin) Moore and their daughter Alice; Sarah Diden (Greg Tataryn).  Grandsons Bobby Louis (Amy) Jones and their daughter Zoe; and Michael Jones and his son Jase.    Surviving brother Roy Basler.  Sisters in law, Ida Mae (Wayne) Hamby, Shirley (Benny) Parks and Brother in law Garland (Delonia (deceased)) Heidel.

Extended family and friends were many which include Hailey Ingram, St. Paul Lutheran Choir members, many relatives from the Knoxville area, and his Hardees friends.

The family will receive friends at Schubert Funeral Home, Wartburg, April 28 6:00-8:00 p.m. with the Funeral Saturday, April 29, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Rev. David Graves officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Wartburg City Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church Choir, St. Paul Lutheran Church Handbells or the charity of your choice.