Samuel Wright Baskin

Samuel Wright Baskin, age 89 of Malvern, died Sunday December 12, 2010. Sam was born February 2, 1921 in Graysonia, Arkansas (Clark County) to the late James Dewitt and Elsie Digby Baskin. His father was the bookkeeper for the Graysonia Lumber Company. Sam was raised in Gurdon, and earned his Bachelor's Degree at Henderson State University where he starred as a halfback on the football team. Sam's academic and athletic careers were interrupted by WWII, where he served in the Army in Alaska. He was badly burned in an explosion while rescuing the crew of a bomber that crashed and he spent many months in the hospital. After the war, Sam resumed his studies and played football before finishing his degree at Henderson. He later earned a Master's degree from George Peabody College in Nashville, Tenn. In 1948 he married Marion Robertson, the love of his life. They were married for 60 years and had two sons, Jon Edward Baskin of Baton Rouge, La. and Dr. Barry Dewitt Baskin of Little Rock. Sam was a career educator and had a positive influence on the lives of innumerable young people. He worked 30 years at the Magnet Cove School District where at one time or another he served as coach, principle of the high school, junior high school and elementary school. Sam had a life long love of children and truly found his niche as the principle of the elementary school. Sam is survived by Jon Baskin and his wife Judy, Dr. Barry Baskin and his wife Druann, four granddaughters Clair Baskin, Abbye Baskin, Erin Baskin, Blair Baskin and great-granddaughter Kylie Baskin. He is also survived by his younger brother Carl Ed Baskin of Little Rock. Sam was pre-deceased by his wife Marion in 2008 in addition to his brother Dewitt Baskin of Gurdon. Sam loved to hunt and fish and was a fine shot, a deadly accurate caster and a gentleman sportsman in the tradition of Nash Buckingham. He loved his bird dogs, and on several occasions he carried his old English setter "Lady" in his game vest when she was too old to go on her own power. Sam will be missed by all who knew him, but his was a life well lived. Special thanks to Dr. Bruce and Patty White for their years of service and friendship. Many thanks as well to the entire staff of 1-D at the North Little Rock VA for their loving care of Sam during the last year of his life. He could not have been in a better place. Their compassionate care was a true example of God's work here on earth. A private memorial service will be held under the direction of J.A. Funk Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Malvern or the Nature Conservancy. Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.