John F. Basford Sr., 57, of 210 N. Rutland St., Watertown, passed January 2, 2014 in the emergency room at the Samaritan Medical Center after being stricken at his home.

A funeral service will be 7:30 p.m.  Thurs., Jan.9 at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, Watertown.

Calling hours will precede the funeral from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be in the spring at the N. Watertown Cemetery.

Born on August 7, 1956 in Syracuse, NY, son of the late John H. Basford and Rita F. Clark, he attended Watertown High School.

Mr. Basford drove tractor trailer and worked construction for several years in the local area. He was a jack of all trades.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and four wheeler. He loved the outdoors and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Among his survivors are his life long companion, Donna M. Willix with whom he has been with since 1978;a son and his companion, John F. Basford Jr. and Angie Ellsworth, Watertown; two daughters and their companions, Heather F. Basford and David Desantis, Watertown, Stacie E. Basford and Scott Bub, Louisville, Kentucky; his only biological granddaughter and love of his life, Kaylee M. Bub; a stepson, Harold E. Pearson Jr., Watertown; four stepdaughters and their husbands, Lisa A. and John Adair, Watertown, Angela E. Willix-Whitney, Newton Falls, NY, Erin L. and Douglas Larrabee, Palm Bay, FL, Melissa M. and Ronald Gardner, Counce, TN; 16 step grandchildren, 6 step great grandchildren,two sisters and a brother in law, Christal E. and Stanley Weir, LaFargeville, NY, Sylvia M. Winchell, Hinesville, GA; several nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Condolences may be made at hartandbrucefh.com