John William Baskette Sr

John William Baskette was born April 10, 1937, to Maxie and James Henry Baskette in Greene County TN. John passed peacefully on February 14, 2023 at the age of 85 in Sacramento, CA. Survived by his wife of nearly 57 years Rosie Baskette, his son John Jr. (Rocio) and grandson Daniel, all residing in Sacramento, CA.

John left Tennessee at the age of 17 but he was always proudly “from Tennessee”. He loved his family in Tennessee and enjoyed returning to visit. The family in TN “loved him so much, if love could have kept him alive, he would have lived forever”.

He was very close to his sister Geneva Harville and brother-in-law C.W. and as a young man moved around to live near them in Virginia near Washington D.C. and then Colorado Springs, CO, before moving to California where he met his wife Rosie.
He lived in Petaluma, CA with wife Rosie for almost 50 years until they re-located to Sacramento, CA to be closer to their son John Jr., daughter-in-law Rocio who he affectionately referred to as his number one daughter-in-law, and grandson Daniel who was his “buddy boy”.

John also loved and was loved by Rosie’s side of the family in Sonoma County CA and was always happy to see them and spend time with his in-laws and nieces and nephews.

John worked and retired from the Marin Municipal Water District as a service inspector and enjoyed his work and the people he worked with. John always had a garden and planted many citrus and fruit trees. He loved the outdoors and the redwoods and enjoyed fishing, clam digging, abalone picking and going to the coast. He never missed any of John Jr.’s games and kept that up with his grandson Daniel as long as he was able.

He was always present for his family and was a person that always helped friends, family, and any stranger in need. He always greeted everyone with a warm smile and kind words. He loved God and neighbor.

Survivors in TN include: sisters Charlotte Austin Isaacs of Kingsport TN and Darlyne Lewis of Greenville TN. Nephews and nieces John Emmett (Marilyn), Clarence Blue Emmett (Judy), Joe Emmett (Sharon), David Emmett (Lisa), Michael Emmett of Greene County, Virginia Marilyn Preston GA, Brenda Seaton (Mike) Greenville TN, Barbara Morgan (Ron) Kingsport TN. Jennifer Hensley (Larry) Limestone TN, Rev Gary Gentry (Kay) Limestone TN. Mark Collier (Christa) Greenville TN, Kathy Baskette (Tony) Afton TN, Missy Utley (Charlie) Broken Arrow Oklahoma, James Baskette Jr. Kentucky. Brother-in-law Carl Gentry Limestone TN. 29 Great nieces and nephews. 33 Great-great nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents Maxie and JH Baskette. Sisters: Geneva Harville (C.W.). Helen Droke. Edythe Emmett (Maynard), Joyce Gentry. Brothers: James Baskette (Donna),W. C. Baskette and Brother in law Onnie Austin. Nephew Steve Gentry. Nieces Nikki Baskette and Ronda Lewis. Great nephew Mitchell Collier and Niece Cindy Preston and friend Vivian Baskette.

A funeral and burial will take place Saturday March 11, 2023 at Calvary Cemetery in Citrus, Heights, CA with a reception to follow at Presentation Catholic Church in Sacramento.
11 a.m. Viewing and Rosary
12 noon Holy Mass
1 p.m. Burial

On Saturday April 15, 2023 a memorial service and reception will be held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Afton, TN.