Charles Baskett's Obituary
Charles, "Chuck" Baskett passed away August 9th, 2025, in Houston of causes related to Alzheimer's disease. He was born on January 28, 1935, in Dalhart, Texas during the Dustbowl. His parents were Bertha (Allen) Baskett and Roy Baskett.
As a child, Charles lived in Ben Bolt, a small town in South Texas, with his family. Charles worked hard on the family farm, helping his father and even learning how to drive a full-sized tractor when he was young boy. He was active in 4H and was excited to show his cow in Dallas at the State Fair of Texas. They moved to Amarillo where he built houses with his father, graduated high school and developed a lifelong passion for car racing. On a whim, according to Charles, he enlisted in the National Guard with his cousin James Baskett.
As a young man, Charles went to work for Shamrock Oil in Denver, where he met his future wife, Dawn McPhee, a United Airlines stewardess, at a party that he and his roommates were hosting. After Dawn and Charles got married, they had three children, and Charles ran several new-car dealerships across the country. He later excelled at selling computer systems to dealers. Wherever they lived, there was always a "project" car, usually a fast one, in the garage. As empty-nesters, Dawn and Charles moved to Granbury, a place that they dearly loved, and immersed themselves in the community. Charles joined the local volunteer fire department and was especially proud of his time spent as Hood County Commissioner. He and Dawn would host "Baskett Camp" each summer at their house on the Brazos River for all the grandchildren. When Dawn was weakened by Parkinson's disease, Charles stayed by her bedside until the end.
Charles is survived by his sister, Patsy Whittenberg, his children; Amy Strother (Joe), David Baskett (Stephanie) and Bryan Baskett (Sarah), grandchildren; Carina, Caitlin, Brooke, Kaily, Alex, Bridget, Sabrina, Eli and great-grandchildren; Isabelle and Theo. He is predeceased by his wife Dawn Baskett and sister Betty Haigood.
The family would like to give special thanks to caregiver-sitters, Monique and Jada, as well as the staff at Clearwater Memory Care who always took such special care of him.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday June 16 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Amarillo, with a gathering at Tim Whitaker's in Canyon after. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association.
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