A celebration of life for SSG Ricky Glen Basinger, age 69 of Ruston, LA will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, September 25, 2023 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM, Monday, September 25, 2023 at the funeral home.
Ricky was born December 17, 1953 in Shreveport, LA to William Earl and Edith Chlorine Basinger and passed away peacefully September 14, 2023 at the family home in Ruston. He graduated from Saline High School in 1971 and joined the U.S. Army in 1973. Ricky served in the U.S. Army for seven years before his honorable discharge. He worked offshore for a time before working at Bear Creek Storage Station for the next 33 years. While still working at Bear Creek, Ricky also served in the U.S. National Guard, 527th Engineering Group, for a total of over 21 years of decorated service. He was a Gulf War Veteran. Ricky was a beloved husband, daddy and pawpaw. He met and married Dawn Christine Shipley in 1980 and together celebrated 43 years of marriage. For those that knew Ricky, many teased Dawn for how he spoiled her. Ricky made her breakfast, packed her lunch and made dinner. On days when Dawn would teach a night class at Louisiana Tech University, the phone in the computer lab would ring at 5:05 PM so that he could tell her what she was having for dinner. Ricky took care of the plumbing, electrical, carpentry, the yard and grocery shopping for over 30 years. It was an honor to be his wife.
Ricky is survived by his wife Dr. Dawn Basinger of Ruston, LA; two sisters: Brenda Hill (Gary) and Jeannie Basinger; children: Heather M. Smith (Stacy) of Ruston, LA, Eddie Basinger (Tifani) of Daphne, AL and Casey McCaa (Rob) of Calhoun, LA; six grandchildren: Ryan Phagan (Arianna), Ian Phagan, Sam Phagan, Mason Basinger, Sofie Basinger and McKinley McCaa.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jonathan Baines, nurse Courtney Delaney, the staff at Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital, the staff at Alpine Rehabilitation Center, Elara Caring Home Health and Elara Caring Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrier Project or to Tunnels to Towers.
