William Scott Basford

William "Bill" Scott Basford, 87, of Apollo Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026. He was born on September 20, 1938, in Canton, Ohio.

Bill grew up in East Sparta, Ohio and graduated from Sandy Valley High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University in 1960 and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity before proudly serving his country in the United States Army Artillery, including a deployment to Germany. After college he spent many years in Wooster, Ohio, where he dedicated himself to education as a mathematics teacher at Triway High School from 1965 to 1975. He then enjoyed a successful career in Human Resources and Operations at Wayne County National Bank, retiring in 1999.

During his time in Wooster, he built lifelong memories while enjoying family camping trips with neighbors and friends.

Following his retirement, he moved to Medina, Ohio, while spending winters in Apollo Beach, Florida. In 2023, he made Apollo Beach his permanent home, where he embraced an active and fulfilling retirement.

A devoted community member, Bill generously gave his time through the Optimist Club, Ruritan, Junior Achievement, and the Triway Local School District Board of Education. In retirement, he fully embraced the Florida lifestyle, enjoying rides with the local bicycle club, spirited games of Euchre and Mexican Train dominoes, and traveling extensively with family and friends. His greatest adventures were cruising the world's oceans, where he created countless cherished memories.

Above all, Bill was a devoted family man. He treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and milestones. His kindness, steady guidance, quick wit, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving fiancée, Coni Forney; his children, Wayne (Rosemary) Basford, Jinni (John) Krause, and Jill (Jack) Abelarde; his eight grandchildren, Lindsey (Alec) Patterson, Scott (Emily) Basford, Emily (Pedro) Basford Franco, Kevin Krause, Connor Krause, Christian Abelarde, Sean Abelarde, and Chloe Abelarde; his six great-grandchildren, Lillian, Levi, Aly, Sophia, Olivia, and Kaylie; his brother, Larry (Paulie) Basford; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Jeanette "Barbara" (nee Van Schaack); his parents, Walter and Kenna (nee Harrison) Basford; and his sister, Kay Weisen and brother-in-law Arlow “Bud” Weisen.

A funeral service will be held Friday, July 10th at Sun City Center Funeral Home, 1851 Rickenbacker Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573, with a visitation at 1:00pm followed by the funeral service at 2:00pm.

A second funeral service will be held Thursday, July 16th at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home at 216 E Larwill Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691 with a visitation at 3:00pm followed by the funeral service at 4:00pm. On Friday July 17th at 10:15 am, Bill will be laid to rest at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, Ohio 44273.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. t2t.org

Bill will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, dedication to his community, adventurous spirit, and the lasting friendships he built throughout his life. His legacy of kindness, integrity, and quiet strength will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know and love him