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Basil Eavey

1926 - 2024

Basil Eavey obituary, 1926-2024, Myersville, MD

Basil Eavey Obituary

Basil Eavey, age 97, took his final trip on April 21, 2024. As a lifelong educator, he donated his body to the anatomy board so students would have one last lesson from him. Born in Homestead, PA, Basil grew up in the Shenandoah Valley near Weyers Cave, VA. He was a WWII veteran who served as a cryptographer and message center chief of the 85th Fighter Wing in the Philippine Islands.

He attended Bridgewater College and Madison College (JMU), majoring in business education. He also received his Master's Degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech). In addition to teaching in Rockingham County, VA, Carroll County, MD, and Frederick County, MD, he supervised student teachers from JMU and the University of Maryland. After nearly 40 years of teaching, he was involved in many activities, including the Food Bank of Frederick and the Red Cross Blood Bank. He was the oldest male member of the Frederick County Retired School Personnel. He also went on mission trips to Kentucky, Grenada, and Puerto Rico. In addition, he worked as a handyman and exchanged new and used cars for various auto dealers in the Frederick area-from Florida to Ohio and even Canada.

He was married to Helen Showalter, whom a drunk driver killed in 1980. Basil and Helen's seeing-eye dog were the sole survivors. Helen, a teacher, also donated her body to the Anatomy Board. He remarried in 1987 to Ruby Staley, who passed away in February 2019.

He is survived by one son, B. Lee Eavey, and his wife; grandchildren Becky Clawson (Jordan) and Jake Eavey; two adoring great-grandchildren, Logan and Audra. Patsy Eavey, stepdaughter-in-law Salena Staley, and his stepgrandchildren Charles Staley (Margie) and Elizabeth Staley. Sister Wanda Landis of Newport News, VA; Sister-in-law Becky Eavey of Weyers Cave, VA; and an extended family. His wonderful neighbors of the Ashley Hills Community, the people of the Town of Myersville, and countless colleagues, students, and friends also survive him.

In recognition of their compassionate and loving care, we thank Dr. Yvette Lopez-Warren and Hospice of Frederick for their unwavering support.

Basil's memory will endure in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be forever cherished for his kindness, wisdom, and unparalleled sense of humor.

Per his wishes, no memorial service or visitations will take place. Those wishing to honor or remember him may donate to the Hospice of Frederick (https://www.frederickhealthhospice.org/donate-support/) or The Seeing Eye organization (https://www.seeingeye.org/). These were causes close to his heart, and he believed in their profound impact on the lives of others. Basil Eavey

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Frederick News-Post on Apr. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Basil Eavey

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Carolyn DeLashmutt Rippeon

June 26, 2024

Mr. Eavey, You were instrumental in many students lives. I was one of those that had the great honor of being one of your students, Gov. Thomas Johnson H.S. Class of 1972. You will live through all of us forever.

Margaret Caples Warren

May 9, 2024

Thank you, Mr. Eavey, for being my business teacher at Mt. Airy High School. I´m still using all the skills you taught us. Can´t imagine where I´d be without them. Love to his family.

Robert E. Muller, Jr.

April 29, 2024

I had Mr. Eavey for notehand in 1964-5 and drivers education in the summer of 1966. He was an excellent teacher; I was a lousy student in them. But I did use some notehand throughout high school and college, and students who wanted to borrow my notes were frustrated when they couldn't read all of them. My condolences for his family and friends, and I'll pray for them as they'll miss him.

Nina Keefer Jacobs

April 29, 2024

Mr. Eavey was my business teacher at South Carroll high school and the best teacher, friend and supporter during my senior year. He will never be forgotten as a great giver and kind individual. You will be greatly missed. Blessings to the family in this great loss. God has better and greater plans for you! You will forever be loved.

Carlyle Seabolt

April 29, 2024

Sincere condolences to the families of Mr. Eavey. His light will forever be remembered.

Sharon ( Hogan) Rea

April 26, 2024

Mr Eavey was my Drivers Ed teacher in 1968/69. He was very good with us group of girls teaching us. Always,made us fill comfortable and taught us well. I passed my Drivers Test,on the 1st try owed it all to Mr Eavey.
Fly high,among the Angels,your work is done here now.
Sincere sympathy to his family and friends!
God Bless,
Sharon ( Hogan) Rea
Graduate of class of 69,South Carroll!

Tom St. John, Hillsborough N.C.

April 26, 2024

Basil was a wonderful man and a privilege to call "friend". While we taught together, I most fondly remember our time painting houses together in the summer. I share your loss Patsy....

Blanchard swiger

April 26, 2024

Mr.eavey was my teacher in mt. Airy high school(and, my favorite. We remained friends until his passing. I am so thankful that he was able to attend the alumni banquet last september. He truly enjoyed it. All the women were swarming around him, and, he loved it. You will b missed my friend. U made a great impact on my life. Blanchard swiger

Carroll Kehne, Jr.

April 25, 2024

In the mid-sixties, when GTJHS opened, I met Basil while I was teaching art. He was a fantastic business teacher and friend over the years and following our retirement. Basil ran the bookstore and always had a fond greeting when I walked by. I knew both his second wife, Ruby Staley from Yellow Springs, and Patsy from work at school. I always enjoyed seeing and chatting with him at many retired teachers' functions. Patsy made sure I saw him. I will always keep him in my heart and God bless the family.

Tom Clawson

April 25, 2024

Basil was such an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Thank you, Basil, for being a part of our lives. You will always be remembered and cherished.

Cindy Wahl

April 24, 2024

Mr. Eavey was my typing teacher at TJ High School. He was my favorite teacher. I kept in touch with him. Last time I saw him was a few years ago, he took me out to lunch. I just sent him an Easter card a few weeks ago. I will always remember him fondly. My deepest condolences to his family.

Barbara Franklin Fleming

April 24, 2024

Mr. Eavey was one of my teachers two years in a row (1963-64) at Mt. Airy High School. He was instrumental in helping me move from high school into the next world which was Strayer Business College in Baltimore. I went on to have a successful 41-year career with the federal government, as well as other employers. I´ve never stopped thanking him in my mind. He had a profound effect on my career and subsequent life. God rest his soul.

Laura Scott

April 24, 2024

Mr. Eavey was a great teacher. He taught me stenography and also drivers ed. He was a very caring kind and thoughtful teacher who had a great sense of humor and was a fun teacher too. I'm sure he will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family and friends.

Darlene Carver

April 24, 2024

Basil was my supporter. When I was starting my business school in 1981, Abbie Business Institute, I approached Basil for his insight and support of a new business school in Frederick. He wholeheartedly supported me and the school. It was gratifying to know him as a fellow typing & shorthand teacher. RIP Basil.

Anna Poole

April 24, 2024

Basil Eavey was a treasured friend and teacher. He taught me stenography in high school, and was my driver's education instructor. I valued his friendship and the life skills he taught me. He had a great sense of humor. Basil Eavey will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. My sympathies to Bas Jr. and his family.

Vida Mercer

April 24, 2024

I had MR Eavey for a couple of years back in 1982 and 1983. He was the best teacher and always had a smile. He was always a lot of fun I´m sure he will be remembered fondly.

Wayne Strine

April 24, 2024

A true gentleman in every sense of the word. Not only was he my driver's ed teacher, he was also a cherished friend and fellow church member. I, and countless others, are better off from having him in our lives. May God bless his family.

Brenda P Shockey

April 24, 2024

I will truly miss this man among all men! Relatives, former students, and his many friends are indeed blessed to have spent time with Basil over the many decades of his life.

Mary Ann Eader Turney

April 24, 2024

I am so grateful to have known Basil. He always made me laugh, sometimes at his expense.
His granddaughter, Becky, was absolutely the best grand daughter ever and he would refer to her as "amazing". He was certainly well loved.
RIP, my friend.

Debbie Baker

April 23, 2024

Typing is the one skill from school that I've never stopped using. Taking this class with Mr. Eavey was icing on the cake. He was a thoughtful, patient, caring man. My heartfelt condolences are with his family and anyone who knew him.

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