Don Darrel Baskins

Don Darrel Baskins of Poulsbo, Washington, went to be with the Lord on January 16th, 2017 in his home surrounded in love by his family. Born March 26th, 1933 in Narka Kansas; the fifth son of Clarance C. Baskins and Mary Lacey Baskins. His brothers were Lowell, Bryle, Vernon, and Roland, who have preceded him in death.

In the summer of 1937, his family left the dust bowl of the Midwest and 3 months later they arrived in Poulsbo, Washington after stopping to work along the way. In 1939, Don started first grade at the Harding School, and continued there until 5th grade when the school was consolidated to the Poulsbo Grade School. He graduated in 1950 from North Kitsap High School.

He married Arletta Hampton—whose curls he had pulled in 1st grade—in 1952. They moved to Seattle in 1956, where Don began work at Boeing. He graduated from Seattle University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1963. Don enjoyed his career in mechanical engineering and private business in Seattle, retired in 1995, and returned to Poulsbo’s Little Valley. He remodeled the 1917 Hampton farmhouse and enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Arletta. Don had a stroke in 2004; however, that did not stop him from enjoying the outdoors. Don brought a smile to all he met.

His faith and family were most important to him. Beginning in grade school, he enjoyed working on cars. He began working on them in childhood with his best friend Keith Webster, and their favorite cars were Model T’s/ On the rare times when one car would work, they would tour Big Valley. During Don’s retirement, Olympic Vintage Auto Club (OVAC) old car tours were especially enjoyable. Special thanks to OVAC club and PrimeTimers Sunday School class of Gateway Fellowship Church.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Arletta Mae Baskins; by his five children (and their spouses); Yvonne (Dan) Griffiths in Tacoma, Washington; Darrell (Holly) Baskins in Poulsbo, Washington; Lynette Baskins in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Duane (Myra) Baskins in Bremerton, Washington; and Dan Baskins in Poulsbo, Washington; by six grandchildren, Heidi (Joshua) Wright in Edmond, Oklahoma; Yvette (Jonathan) White in San Diego, California; Lynnae Griffiths in Portland, Oregon; Bryce Griffiths in Eureka, California; Brendan Griffiths in Boulder, Colorado; and Breana Baskins in Bremerton, Washington; and by two great-grandchildren, Emilie and Josiah Wright in Edmond, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be 1pm Saturday, February 25th at the Keyport Bible Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Royal Family Kids Camp (care of Gateway Fellowship, 18901 8th Ave NE, Poulsbo, WA 98370).