Willey Bassham

Willey J. Bassham, 85, of Littleton, passed away at 8:00 PM, Thursday, January 28, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 26, 1930, in Moko, Arkansas, the son of the late William and Martha (Ward) Bassham.  He married Shirley D’Camp on October 29, 1955, in East Peoria and she survives.

Also surviving are three children Donna Tonsor and husband Mark of Marquette Heights, Zoe Ellison and husband Larry of Low Point, and Billy Bassham and wife Lori of East Peoria, seven grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, one brother Nelson Bassham and wife Kay of Salem, Arkansas, one sister Dorothy Gerkin and husband Bob of East Peoria and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his son Samuel Ray Bassham, five brothers Charles, Chris, Alvin, Bud and Buster Bassham and two sisters Cecil Hutchison and Carrie Allen.

Willey worked as a machinist at Caterpillar for over 30 years retiring in 1981.  He also farmed in the Littleton Area.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Littleton, the UAW Local 974 and Gideons International.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors walking through the woods.  He spent many days fishing with family at the Norfork Lake in Mt. Home, Arkanas.  He was an avid hunter of many types of animals.  For Willey, hunting was more about the fun of hunting than the size of the animal.  He was proud of the difference that the Lord made in his life and helped construct three different churches.

Services will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Littleton, with Dennis Williamson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Brooklyn Cemetery in Brooklyn.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, February 1, 2016 at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.  Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Littleton or the McDonough District Hospice.