Lester Basford, 87, of Marianna, Florida passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at his residence.
Lester was born October 23, 1935 to Lorenzo and Suzie Basford in Dellwood, Florida. He was married to the love of his life, Myrtle Andrews and together they started their family. He graduated from the Baptist College of Florida and Mississippi College before going on to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his time as a music minister, he served at Hartford Baptist, Calvary Baptist in Dothan, AL, St. Andrews Baptist in Panama City, FL, Cloverdale Baptist in Dothan, AL, First Baptist in Graceville, FL, Damascus Baptist in Graceville, FL, First Baptist Church in Marianna, FL, Midway Baptist Church in Jackson, MS, and First Baptist Church in Columbia, AL. When he wasn’t serving in church, he was working to provide for his family as “The Well Man” with Basford Well Drilling. For nearly 60 years he was the owner and operator of the Well Company. Lester and Myrtle attended First Baptist Church of Marianna for more than 40 years where Lester served as a deacon, taught Sunday school and was the minister of music. In the most recent years, they have been members of Eastside Baptist of Marianna.
He is survived by his wife, Myrtle A. Basford; sons, Bob Basford (Nina), Mark Basford (Karen), Matt Basford (Jennifer), Chuck Basford (Kristina), and Thomas Basford (Ashley); grandchildren, Cherish Basford, Parker Basford (Amber), Shelby Gochenaur (Paul), SuEllen Basford, Grey Basford, Landry Basford, Brodie Basford, Briar Basford, Alec Basford, and Brantley Basford; great-grandchildren, Paxton Basford, Paisley Basford, Oliver Gochenaur, Nora Gochenaur and Adeline Basford.
Funeral service will be 10 AM, Monday, March 13, 2023 at Eastside Baptist Church with pastors, Joey Butler, Matt Basford, Gino Mayo, and David Beigle officiating. Burial will follow at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Cemetery in Cottondale, Florida with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM, Sunday. March 12, 2023 at Eastside Baptist Church.
Flowers accepted or memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, Marianna Camp, PO Box 293, Marianna, Florida, 32447.
