William Adam Basinger

William Adam Basinger, 86, of Des Moines died at home on Friday, May 30, 2014.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. He graduated from Goldfield High School, earned a BA at Drake University and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a medic on the Danish hospital ship, Jetlandia. It was his experience in the Navy that led him to become a medical missionary for 12 years, six years in Japan and six years in Korea.

Bill was employed as a vocation rehabilitation counselor for the State of Iowa for many years. In his free time, he also enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling, visiting more than 50 countries.

Bill will be remembered a loving husband, father and grandfather who was strong in his faith and beliefs. He lobbied for justice and peace which led him to receive the Bishop Dingman Peace Award four times. Bill was a member of Veterans For Peace, Past President of the Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom, and a mason. He was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church for 24 years before becoming a devoted and beloved member of Trinity Los Americus United Methodist Church.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jean; six children, Lori (Gary) Reed, Brian (Joyce) Basinger, Denise (Mark) Stevenson, Chris Basinger, Shaun Basinger and Michael Basinger; 10 grandchildren and their families, Amanda Puchreiter, Leah Fong, Tyler Reed, Michelle Decamp, Julee Basinger, Ryan Basinger, Brianne Basinger, Jamie Wilson, Lisa Ruvolo and Jesse Basinger; 10 great-grandchildren; and by several nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Ethel Basinger; and a brother, Harold Basinger.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the family to be distributed to among causes dear to Bill’s heart, including Trinity Los Americus, Children and Family United Foundation, Des Moines Catholic Worker, and other peace and justice organizations.