Kenneth "Wayne" Basnett

Kenneth "Wayne" Basnett was born December 31, 1943 in Lebanon, Missouri to William Homer and Edith Mae Dickinson Basnett. He passed away Monday, May 26, 2025 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family. He was eighty-one years, four months and twenty-six days of age.
Wayne was raised in Lebanon and was a graduate of Lebanon High School. Following graduation, he joined the United States Army National Guard where he faithfully served for six years. He later served in the Reserves.
On April 8, 1966 he was united in marriage to Janice Pruitt. They celebrated fifty-nine wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, William and Edith Basnett; his sister, Helen Cochran; his brothers, Eddie Basnett and Bobby Ray Basnett; and his brother-in-law, Charles Roberts.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janice Basnett; his daughters, Kim Gaines and her husband Perry of Lebanon, Missouri and Kristin Basnett and her partner, Mary Imo of St. Louis, Missouri; two grandchildren, Ryan Gaines and his wife Rebekah and McKenzie Gaines and her partner Danny Yepson; one great-granddaughter, Margot Lennox Gaines; his siblings, Shirlee Roberts, Barbara Smith and her husband Bland, Marvin Basnett and his wife Brenda, Linda Basnett; a sister-in-law, Willa Mae Basnett; a brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" Cochran; and other family members and friends.
Wayne was employed at MFA and T.H. Rogers early in his adult life. His career was at Detroit Tool where he worked for forty years where he formed lifetime bonds. He also owned the Little Country Store for eighteen years and raised a few beef cattle. He was a hard worker and good provider for his family.
Wayne was strong in his faith and loved God with all his heart. He was baptized as a young man and was a member of Bennett Spring Church of God where he also served as a board member.
He enjoyed fishing and liked being in the hay field. He could not be still for long.
Wayne loved and cherished his family. He was a caring and trusted neighbor and friend. Wayne loved and trusted God and worked hard. His family rejoices in his homecoming where he is now with his Savior.
Funeral service for Wayne Basnett will be Friday, May 30 at 1 p.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in New home Cemetery in Falcon, Missouri.
A memorial to New Home Cemetery has been established and donations may be left at the funeral home.