Kenneth Allan Bashore

Kenneth A. Bashore, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Ken was born in 1936 in Bethel, Pennsylvania, to Elmer and Laura Bashore. He grew up alongside his siblings Harold, Barbara, Rita, and Joyce, and from an early age, Ken was known for his drive, kindness, and love of baseball. He dreamed of playing professionally but an arm injury shifted his path. Instead, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

After his military service, Ken pursued a career in aviation, beginning as a gate agent with Western Airlines in Los Angeles. Through determination and dedication, he rose through the ranks over a 42-year career in the airline industry, eventually retiring from Delta Airlines as Chief of Protocol. His work took him around the world and to stations in Los Angeles, Honolulu, Denver, Sioux Falls, and Salt Lake City. No matter where he was, Ken brought professionalism, charisma, and a deep love for the people and places he encountered.

Though he retired from the airline industry, Ken was not one to sit still. He spent several years as a beloved bartender at Minervas in Okoboji, Iowa, quickly becoming a favorite among locals. He finally decided to “hang it up” when he could no longer carry two cases of beer up from the basement—but not before making many lifelong friends.

In 1982, Ken married the love of his life, Virginia. Together they built a blended family full of love, laughter, and warmth. Their home was always open—filled with kids playing in the garden, lively gatherings of friends and family, and plenty of stories and shared memories over a cocktail. Ken and Ginny loved to spoil their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating a place where everyone felt welcomed and cherished.

Ken was a talented gardener, skilled carpenter, and proud member of the Shrine and Masonic Lodge. He also had a signature knuckleball that could surprise even the best batters. Most of all, he was a man who loved deeply and lived fully.

Most of all, he was a man who loved deeply and lived fully.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Virginia Bashore of Sioux Falls; his children: Ken Bashore (Colleen) of Sioux Falls, Greg Bashore of Sioux Falls, Troy Steinbeck (Wendy) of Atlanta, Georgia, Valerie (Earl) Alexander of Placies, New Mexico, and Kimberly LaJoye (Ed) of Augusta, GA; along with 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. Burial with military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery.

Ken’s life was a journey marked by service, adventure, generosity, and love. His stories, sense of humor, and spirit will be deeply missed—but his legacy will continue in every life he touched.