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BASHAM -- Austin Basham passed away suddenly March 2, 2005. Born February 8, 1939, in Sophia, West Virginia. Austin moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico to attend Highlands University where he met and married Judy Encinias. At Highlands, Austin played football and basketball and ran track. He obtained both his BA and MA from Highlands. In 1962, Austin coached football and wrestling at Las Vegas Robertson High School. In 1964, Austin and Judy moved their family to Santa Fe where Austin became the assistant football coach and the head wrestling coach at Santa Fe High School. In 1969, Austin was honored to be the Head Football Coach at Santa Fe High School, the largest high school in the State at the time. Austin was chosen to coach the North All Star Football Team in 1968. Austin was a past member of the Santa Fe Jacycees, Kiawanas, and the Las Vegas and Santa Fe Elks (Leading Knight). He also served on the Santa Fe Public Schools Credit Union Board for 17 years. Austin served as Chairman of the New Mexico State Credit Union League from 1973 to 1980 and served on the Board of Southwest Corporate Board of Directors from 1973 to 1980. Austin's passion was working with children in sports, and he spearheaded the development and organization of the Young American Football League (YAFL) in Santa Fe. He served as Commissioner of YAFL for five years. During his tenure with YAFL, Santa Fe was the State YAFL Champion. In addition, Austin was an active volunteer for the Special Olympics for many years. Austin's career also reflected his love for working with children. He was a principal of Kaune Elementary School from 1969 to 1973 and principal of Salazar Elementary School from 1973 to 1979. He went on to hold the position of Associated Executive Secretary for the New Mexico Commission of Higher Education from 1979 to 1982. In the mid-eighties, Austin was the state Motor Vehicle Director and became Deputy Director of the New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority in 1989. At the time of his death, Austin was enjoying retirement. Austin was preceded in death by his father, Ivan McKinley Basham; and his mother, Anna Basham. Austin will be dearly missed by his wife of over 45 years, Judy Basham. He is also survived by his two children, Donna (Espy) Lytle and husband, Larry of Las Cruces, and Mark Basham and wife, Katherine of Santa Fe. Austin also leaves behind his grandchildren, in whose lives he was actively involved, Ryan Lytle, Taylor Lytle, Jordan Basham, Mack Basham, and his namesake Austin Basham; brothers-in-law, Leon F. Encinias and Benito R. Encinias; sister-in-law, Casandra Encinias and husband, John Biddle; nephews, Joel Francke, Mario Encinias, Dominico Encinias, Carlos Encinias, Cristobal Encinias; and niece, Marlo Michaeli. Also surviving Austin are his siblings in West Virginia, brother, Ivan Basham and wife, Myrtle; sister, Frances Kelly; brother, Donald Ray Basham and wife, Betty; brother, Doug Basham and wife, Linda; and brother, Gary Basham. A memorial service and reception will be held at Inn of the Loretto on Saturday, March 5, 2005, beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Santa Fe Boys and Girls Club are being accepted in Austin's name. Arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 983-4331.
        Published on: Sat March 05, 2005