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Tom Basham Obituary
quietly slipped away July 29th, 2010; having fought a losing battle with small cell cancer in his lungs. He is survived by his parents, T.C. (Bud) and Bess Basham and his brother David in Tucson. Tom was best known as the deity-caliber voice for the Phoenix Cardinals in the 90's. He got his first professional theater work studying with the fabled Lee Strasberg in the summer before he started to college. Tom attended Phoenix College for three semesters, spent one year at Baylor and graduated from the University of California. While home from school he starred in several Little Theater Plays; one, "The Corn is Green" and one for Mel Weiser's Group. He was signed as a Contract Player for Universal Studios for two years, in which time he had several parts in their movies and worked on "Adam 12", "It Takes a Thief", and several others. The beautiful Church of Religious Science was across from him in New Hampshire. He became very interested in their philosophy, so he went to school another year and was ordained a minister to the Second Church of Religious Science in Watts. He stayed with the church for ten years then left to do Repertory Theater in Los Angeles. While there, a fellow actor suggested he do voice work. This became his second career and he was in considerable demand in both Los Angeles and New York. He provided voices for cartoons, films and commercials. In Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, Tom's voice did the creepy narration during the spirited ride. Being homesick for Phoenix, he returned to do another play for the Little Theater, "Witness for the Prosecution". Tom spent the next twenty-five years doing voice-overs for some hundred or more different merchants, museums, the opera guild and many others. Tom was a beloved son, brother and friend and will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all that knew him. A graveside service will take place at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. Arrangements have been entrusted to A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary.
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Memories and Condolences
for Tom Basham
Daniel
July 26, 2024
We´ll never forget you my friend.
Daniel
Deanna (Dean) Hopkins
June 14, 2021
My Sincere Sympathies to the Basham Family and Tom's friends. I just now found this Page and did not know of his passing and Hope I have the right person. We were friends as children and young adults in Phoenix, Arizona, and going to school together with our mutual friend, Bob. Tom was always outgoing and "animated" and performed well at school functions, playing the piano and acting. It was always a pleasure to be in his company.
Walt & Donna Jordan
August 6, 2010
Mr. & Mrs Basham and David. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Geri Sosa
August 5, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Basham and David, I just found out about Tom. I am in shock and terribly saddened. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences.
Clay Arnold
August 4, 2010
PIPES: God Speed old friend! While your voice has been silenced here on Earth, I am sure that it is only because the Lord needed a "Voice Over" on his behalf, in his Heavenly Kingdom! Rest and Peace to Tom Basham; Blessings and Best Wishes to his Mother, Father, and Family.
Bill Kenrich
August 4, 2010
To Mr. and Mrs. Basham.
I was sorry to hear about Tom. I apologize for not being able to attend the services. I am at my farm in Ohio.
My best to you both.
Daniel Pace
August 4, 2010
Tom was an exceptional man, with a huge heart and tremendous passion for his art. He inspired me and many others and while phisically he is gone, his soul remains with us, and that is conforting.
Sharon Young
August 3, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I was in Drama class with him at North High. We were in a play there about Joan of Arc. He was so good, even then. He made us all laugh with his cloak and acting like Count Dracula. He was wonderful.
My condolences to the family. He brough light and laughter so many.
Sincerely,
Sharon "Burns" Young
Penny Griffith
August 3, 2010
I knew and loved Tom for 40 years. My heart is broken.
Beth Gosnell
August 3, 2010
I consider myself lucky to have been Tom's neighbor for the past 15 years. He was a dear man who always had a warm smile or a cheerful hello. His love and protection for all living creatures was a lesson for all of us. We will miss you, Tom. My thoughts are with his family.
Linda Clements
August 2, 2010
I only knew Tom as a student at North Phoenix High School for the one year when I was a Freshman and he a senior. However, I have never forgotten his commanding presence and wonderful voice. I also remember that he was kind to an "little" Freshman admirer! He was a very lovely person. I offer my condolences to his family and friends.
Emil Miller
August 2, 2010
I met Tom in 1989 and knew instantly what an incredible individual he was. The New York Times called him the "Voice of God" and Tom's talent was certainly on par with that epithet. We worked together hundreds of times over the years and I always looked forward to my time with Tom; for his friendship, his laughter, his stories and his talent. I will miss him very, very much. Peace be with you, Tommy.
Tom Fitsimones
August 2, 2010
My condolences to Tom's family. He was a great neighborhood "character". We seldom got the chance to speak but often had the chance to wave as he drove by in his yellow VW "Bug". He will be missed.
August 1, 2010
I knew Tom so many years ago at North Phoenix High when we were both in drama class under the expert tutilege of Mel Weiser. Tom was a good friend and I loved him dearly. He will be missed on this earthly plane. God will be impressed to meet "The Voice" that many called the "Godly Voice."
Gaye Hartwig-Autterson
August 1, 2010
.. I never had the pleasure of knowing Tom, but I saw his work on stage in Phoenix several times. He was a commanding presence and many of my
colleagues in theater who knew him always spoke highly of him. I know
he will be missed. Richard Elmore
Mel Weiser
August 1, 2010
The right words for Tom remain in my heart, where they have been ever since I met this wonderful man when he was just seventeen years old. Rest, Tom, you're sorely missed.
Jean Auffret
August 1, 2010
I first met Tom at church camp in High School. Over the following years I lost contact with him, then was delighted when he returned to our church for the Christmas and Easter programs. I could listen to that wonderful voice all day. Heaven must be richer today with that voice joining the angels. Over the years I saw him act, again a marvelous talent. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I wish his family and friends peace, he no longer suffers.
Jean Auffret
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