John Patrick Basso, 82, Hays, died Monday, October 19, 2026 at Diversicare of Larned.
He was born October 5, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Sylvan and Agnes (McMahon) Basso. John graduated from Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois with the class of 1963, and was a Vietnam Veteran, serving proudly in the U.S. Army from 1965-1967.
On November 6, 1976, he was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Augustine in Anaheim, California, and they celebrated nearly 50 years of marriage. John worked for General Motors in the Delco Remy Battery Plant for 32 years. He provided valuable ideas while leading the Quality Control department and was actively involved with the GM Union. After moving to Hays, he owned and operated Little Darlin’s Pet Sitting Service for 25 years. John was a wonderful cook, he loved animals, traveling, golfing, and spending time with extended family.
Survivors include his wife Sharon of Hays, two sons Aaron Basso of Andover and Sean Henschel of La Habra, CA, a daughter Raina Basso of Lawrence, and two grandchildren Cherise Dark of Taylor, TX and Raylan Basso of Andover.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joseph Basso, and two sisters, Beverly Tierney and Sylvia Plumery.
Graveside services with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will be at 10:00 am on Friday, November 6, 2026 in St. Joseph Cemetery with Deacon Dave Kisner officiating. Memorials are suggested to Humane Society of the High Plains. Services are entrusted to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of John may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com