Thomas "Skip" Edgar Bassitt, 72, of Lecanto, Fla., and formerly of Bluffton died Oct. 21, 2015, at his residence.

Thomas was born Dec. 4, 1942, in Bluffton to the late Loren "Bill" and Margaret "Peg" (McGuire) Bassitt.  On Aug. 28, 1999, he married Sharen Fuller Bassitt and she survives.

Thomas grew up in Beaverdam and graduated from Beaverdam High School in 1960.  He served in the United States Army from 1960-1963, serving part of his term in Germany.
After serving his country, Thomas began work for American Electric Power as a lineman and later a supervisor. He retired after 36 years. Thomas was a past member of the Bluffton School Board where his children attended.

He coached his daughters in softball for eight years and was a basketball referee for 15 years for the Northwest Ohio Division. Thomas was an active member of American Legion Post 155, Crystal River, Fla., and was a lifetime member of the Amvets.

Survivors also include a son, Thomas E. (Mindy) Bassitt, Jr. of Elida; three daughters, Margaret  (Todd) Wyss of Ada, Lisa Harrod of Columbus Grove, Janelle  (Nathan) Bogart of Bluffton; two step children Andrew (Alissa) Bower of Chillicothe, Nicole Bower of Columbus; 15 grandchildren Kendra, Kyle, Lindsey and Trevor Bassitt, Victoria and Haley Wyss, Samantha and James Harrod, Ethan, Garret, Gavin and Ellie Bogart; three step grandchildren Benjamin, Cameron and Braedon Bower; two brothers, William (Nancy) Bassitt of Indian Lake, Rick  Bassitt of Alabama; two sisters, Sandra Garmatter of Bluffton and Sally (Roger) Fruchey of Columbus Grove.

Thomas was preceded in death by a daughter, Janine Bassitt and a sister, Susan Henline Bassitt.

Services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton. Pastor Tim Wilmetti officiating. Burial will  be in Woodland Cemetery, Beaverdam.  Visitation will be Sunday from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Citrus County.

Condolences may be expressed the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.