Kerry G. Basinger, 75, of Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his home on October 4, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Kerry was born in Hays, Kansas, on January 6, 1951, to Cecil Franklin and Daisy Mae (Oliver) Basinger.
Kerry spent his formative years in WaKeeney, Kansas, attending Trego Grade School and graduating from Trego County Community High School. Early in his high school years, Kerry met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Kathleen Amelia (Mai). They were married soon after graduation, on June 20, 1970, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in WaKeeney. They made their home in WaKeeney while Kerry commuted to Fort Hays State University to earn his degree in Business.
After graduating from college, he moved to Hays, Kansas, where he worked at Travenol. He later took a parcel delivery job with United Parcel Service, where Kerry worked for 32 years before retiring.
Not one to sit idle, Kerry went to work for USD 489 as Lead Custodian at Munjor Early Childhood Connections, becoming a loved employee by all. He then retired a second time in 2019.
You could often find Kerry manicuring his lawn and garden, sitting on his back patio with his beloved dog Lily on his lap and watching the birds. Kerry was a lifelong learner who wanted to know facts and gain knowledge about a wide range of topics. He loved and adored his family, particularly his grandkids. The word to describe Kerry was selfless. He was not concerned about himself, but was always concerned about other people.
Kerry is survived by his wife, Kathleen, Hays, KS; son, Derek Basinger (Jennifer), Wichita, KS; daughters, Jennifer Goetz (Brian), Hays, KS, and Lindsey Minar (Jeff), Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Jacob and Dylan Basinger; Emily Ostmeyer (Kasen); Olivia Goetz; Liam and Greyson Minar; sisters, Sallie Hicks (Dennis), Hutchinson, KS, and Angie Ziegler (Steve), Collyer, KS; mother-in-law, Betty Mai, Topeka, KS.
Kerry was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Daisy Basinger, and brother, Kendell Basinger; father-in-law, Clarence Mai; and brother-in-law, David Mai.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, Kansas.
A funeral service honoring Kerry’s life will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran, with Randy Gibbs officiating.
Following the service, a committal service will take place at the WaKeeney City Cemetery in WaKeeney.
Memorials may be made payable to Kathleen Basinger or to the American Red Cross in memory of Kerry Basinger and sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.