Dana Lell Basel

Dana Lell Basel, 85, died February 14, 2010 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

He was born in Lyndon, Kansas, raised his family in Shawnee, Kansas and retired to Lakeview Village in Lenexa, Kansas in 1992. Prior to attending college he served in the army for three years in the European Theater of Operations in World War II. He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Emporia State College and a master's degree in education from the University of Kansas. He had a long distinguished career first as a teacher and later as a principal in the Shawnee Mission School District. He worked at Shawnee State Bank after retirement from the school district.

He was a long-time member of Shawnee United Methodist Church where he served as president of the board, helped form the local unit of the United Methodist Men, started the senior Ambassadors program with the help of others, and served as scoutmaster of Scout Troop 93 for five years. He was also very active in committees and as an usher.

He was a skilled woodworker and woodcarver. His love was bird watching and carving and painting birds. He also enjoyed gardening, calligraphy, and reading. He volunteered at Lakeview Village. People were important to him and it seemed he knew someone everywhere he went.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Prudence; their three sons, Dana Basel, Jr. and his wife Karen of Jefferson City, Missouri, Brian Basel and his wife Connie of Overland Park, Kansas, and Chris Basel and his wife Grace of Overland Park, Kansas. He also leaves six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ada Basel; his eight brothers; his sisters, and his daughter-in-law Kathy Basel, first wife of Chris.

The family suggests donations to Shawnee United Methodist Church, 10700 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203 or the Lakeview Village Foundation, 9100 Park Street, Lenexa, Kansas 66215, designated to the care center.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at the Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Shawnee United Methodist Church.