Don Derrel Baskins of Poulsbo, Washington, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 16, 2017 in his home surrounded in love by his family. Born March 26, 1933 in Narka Kansas; the fifth son of Clarance C. Baskins and Mary Lacey Baskins. His brothers were Lowell, Bryle, Vernon, and Roland, who have preceded him in death.
In the summer of 1937, his family left the dust bowl of the Midwest and three months later they arrived in Poulsbo, Washington after stopping to work along the way. In 1939, Don started first grade at the Harding School, and continued there until fifth grade when the school was consolidated to the Poulsbo Grade School. He Graduated in 1950 from North Kitsap High School.
He married Arletta Hampton, whose curls he had pulled in first grade, in 1952. They moved to Seattle in 1956, where Don began work at Boeing. He graduated from Seattle University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1963. Don enjoyed his career in mechanical engineering and private business in Seattle, retired in 1995, and returned to Poulsbo’s Little Valley. He remodeled the 1917 Hampton farmhouse. Don had a stroke in 2004; however that did not stop him from enjoying the outdoors. Don brought a smile to all he met.
His faith and family were most important to him. Beginning in grade school, he enjoyed working on cars. He began working on them in childhood with his best friend Keith Webster, and their favorite cars were Model T’s. During Don’s retirement, Olympic Vintage Auto Club (OVAC) old car tours were especially enjoyable. Special thanks to OVAC and Prime Timers Sunday School class of Gateway Fellowship Church.
Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Arletta Mae Baskins; by his five children; Yvonee (Dan) Griffiths in Tacoma, Washington; Darrell (Holly) Baskins in Poulsbo, Washington; Lynette Baskins in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; Duane (Myra) Baskins in Bremerton, Washington; and Dan Baskins in Poulsbo, Washington; by six grandchildren, Heidi (Joshua) Wright, Yvette (Johnathan) White, and Breana Baskins. And by two great-grandchildren, Emilie and Josiah Wright.
The memorial service will be 1pm Saturday, February 25 at the Keyport Bible Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Royal Family Kids Camp (care of Gateway Fellowship, 18901 8th Ave. NE Poulsbo, WA 98370).
