Mark Anthony Basham, 38

NEW CASTLE - Mark Anthony Basham of New Castle died peacefully Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, in his home following a brave, long, hard battle with cancer. He was 38.

Mr. Basham was born Dec. 5, 1968, in Wilmington.

He graduated from First Baptist School.

Mr. Brasham worked for Daystar and Sill until 1999 when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

He was a devoted loving husband and wonderful father and role model. He was happiest when fishing, hunting and watching the Eagles games with his family and friends. He did volunteer coaching for the NCCFL. He also loved spending time helping and encouraging the neighborhood children.

Mr. Brasham was strong and brave and never lost his dignity throughout his fight with cancer.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, his twin, Michael Basham; and Randy Thompson; his maternal grandfather, Harold Clemons; his paternal grandfather, Kyle Michael Basham; an uncle, Harold "Bud" Clemons Jr.; his grandmother, Louvinia Parton; and grandfather, "Reds" Akers.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 12 years, Sharon Basham; his children, Dustin Hamill of North East, Md., Adam Basham of New Castle, Lindsey Basham of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Kyle Basham of New Castle; his parents, Dwane and Beatrice (Fields) Basham of Delaware; a sister and a brother-in-law, Brenda Reno and Joe Hurley of Wilmington; a brother and a sister-in-law, Curt and Judi Thompson of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; a sister, Beth McGee of Middletown; a sister-in-law, Laura Thompson of Newark; his grandmother, Frances Akers of Melbourne, Fla.; two uncles, Jack Basham and Paul Basham; an aunt, Thelma Clemons; his mother-in-law, Laura Hamill of New Castle; three brothers-in-law, James Hamill, Kevin Hamill and Brian Hamill, all of Middletown; a sister-in-law, Cindy Hampton of Newark; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; his caregiving furbabies, three dogs, Buddy, Roxy and Dewey; and four cats, Willow, Innocence, Morton and Duddlebug.

Services and burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road., Suite 200, Wilmington, DE 19810.

Arrangements by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming.