Emerson E. Basinger, 86, passed away June 19, 2023 at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay.  Emerson was born March 4, 1937 in Bluffton, Ohio to the late Emory and Zola (Disbrow) Basinger. On June 22, 1956 he married Jeannine Benroth Basinger and she survives.  

Emerson graduated from Beaverdam High School. He managed grain elevators in Bluffton, Pandora and Columbus Grove. Emerson worked for Elopak Industries in Bluffton and Michigan before his retirement. He was a former member of Bluffton Presbyterian Church. Emerson was never happier than when he was building, remodeling or woodworking. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family.  

Survivors include his wife, Jeannine Basinger of Bluffton; six children, Jon (Janice) Basinger of Beaverdam, Jan (Alice) Basinger of Bluffton, Jim (Valentyna) Basinger of Walled Lake, Michigan, Jeanne (Jerry) Wehri of Bluffton, Jodi (Don) Brauen of Bluffton, Julie (Doug) Oberly of Bluffton; twelve grandchildren, Joe Sehlhorst, Ryan (Sarah) Brauen, Jenny (Mike) Kaple, Jessica (Ryan) Meyer, Janelle (Ross) Emans, Jeremy (Drucilla) Basinger, Valeria Basinger, Tyler (Erin) Oberly, Lane (Jessica) Oberly, Kaleigh (Alex) Howard, Joshua Basinger, Jordin Basinger; twenty-two great-grandchildren and one on the way and a sister, Elaine Thompson of Bluffton.

Emerson was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Don Thompson and son-in-law, Bill Sehlhorst.

Emerson's services will begin at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Bluffton Community (formerly The Centre), 601 N. Main Street, Bluffton.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Bluffton Community.   

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Bluffton EMS or Bridge Home Health & Hospice.

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

Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be taking care of Emerson's family.