Robert C. Basinger Sr., 93, of McDonough, Georgia, formerly of Waynesburg and Freedom, passed away on September 19th, 2026, at his home.
He was born in Lone Pine, Pennsylvania on October 9th, 1942, a son of the late Jason and Rosa Jane Phillips Basinger.
Robert was a retired employee with the former Armco Steel and a former Pilot as well as instructor. He was an FAA Designee instructor and flight examiner. He was Methodist by faith. He received his Pilot Licensee through the FAA from CCBC. His ATP rating for private, commercial, multi-engine instruments, and Sea-Plane. He was a member of Beaver Valley Skydivers, a member of the Butler Farm Show, a member of the Air Heritage Museum, and was a commander in charge of the C-123 for ten years. His main interests were in single and multi-engine aircraft flying, corporate aircraft flying, and deer hunting. He was also a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Ina Marlene (Edge) Basinger, as well as two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert C. Sr. and Karen Basinger of Fairfax Station, Virginia, and Ken J. Sr. and Teri Basinger of McDonough, Georgia, three grandchildren, Kenneth J. Jr. and Becky Basinger of Jackson, Georgia, Major Dustin S. Basinger of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Melissa and Robert Maloch of Commerce, Georgia, nine great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Bette Halavanja of Baden, and a friend Emil Pecori, of Oakdale. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Francis, Jason, Jim, and Wilbur Basinger, three sisters, Sara Roberts, Jane Rager, and Joretta Schoaf.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 25th, from 1-3 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a service will follow at 3:15 p.m. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville. Full military honors will be held by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #862 for their fallen comrade, taking place at the funeral home after the service.