Paul A. Bassford, 86, Davidsonville

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

Paul A. Bassford, 86, of Davidsonville died Nov. 13, 2009, at his residence.

He was born May 27, 1923, in Annapolis to Paul and Clarissa Meade Bassford, and was a lifelong resident of Davidsonville.

He was a graduate of Annapolis High School, class of 1942, and was employed by Baltimore Gas & Electric Company for 29 years, retiring as an underground lineman in 1986.

He was also a farmer and spent his entire life on his family farm in Davidsonville.

He enjoyed being with his family, working on his farm, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, camping, rooting for the Baltimore Orioles, operating his sawmill on the farm and hunting.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Davis Bassford; a son, Dennis Bassford and his wife, Brenda; daughters, Linda Harrison and her husband Joe, and Paula Palmer and her husband Jim, all of Davidsonville; grandchildren, Kathy Stisted, Bryan Bassford, Matt and Jonathan Harrison, Crystal Ditch, and Ben and Greg Palmer; and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service and celebration of his life was held Nov. 18 at Davidsonville United Methodist Church in Davidsonville.

Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Bryan Bassford, Matt Harrison, John Stisted, Chris Ditch, Ricky Davis and Ray Davis.

Honorary pallbearers were Oscar Grimes, Tilden Clarke, Sam Norfolk and Reggie Faust.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.