W.T. Shumake & Daughters

February 20, 1936 - November 6, 2025

Rev. William Paull Baskette, 89, of Louisville, transitioned on Thursday November 6, 2025 at Seneca Place.

Visitation 1-2 Friday, November 14, 2025 at Community Missionary Baptist Church 4909 E. Indian Trail. Funeral to follow at 2pm. Burial Monday, November 17, 2025 at 12:30pm Kentucky Veteran Cemetery, Radcliff, Kentucky. Funeral Service will be streamed by selecting Shumakefuneralhome clicking on obituaries, selecting Baskette obituary and clicking on live. Streaming will be available at 1:45pm Friday, November 14, 2025.

Rev. William Paul Baskette was born on February 20, 1936, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Laura Baskette. He was one of her three children. A few years later, the family relocated to Louisville, Kentucky.

Educated in the Jefferson County Public School System, William was a member of the football team and a graduate of Central High School Class of 1955. Shortly thereafter he was employed at a local bank. His work career was interrupted by a request from Uncle Sam inviting him to serve in the United States Army. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse, so he complied and served his country well from 1958 – 1960, received an honorable discharge. Through his benefits from the service, William Paul was able to attend classes at Jefferson Community College, Bellarmine College, and U of L.

Through furthering his education, he secured a job with Reliance Universal. His final employment was with the Community Development Authorities (providing affordable housing for tenants). Rev. Baskette retired in 2005 and recommended his best friend Charles Fields to replace him.

Returning to Louisville, he met a young lady from Frankfort, Kentucky, who instantly became the love of his life, Mary Lucille Bush in 1961, and by July 28, 1962 they were joined in Holy matrimony. From their union two children were born, William Paul Baskette, Jr. and soon after L’Tanya Marie Baskette. The honeymoon lasted, until God called Mary Lucille home on August 17, 2020.

William Paul Baskette, Sr. was a man of God committed to spreading the good news about our Lord and Savior. When moving to the Newburg community, William was ordained at Greater Faith Baptist Church and later united with Community Missionary Baptist Church where his ministry grew by leaps and bounds. He was faithful to God’s word and studied it every day. He knew the word and never tried to beat anyone over the head with his knowledge, but gently shared God’s truth. At Community, he taught the New Member Class to all who gave their life to Christ; was a faithful teacher of the Wednesday night Bible Class, a teacher for the Men’s Sunday School Class, was an associate minister of the church. He was an active member of the Deacon’s Fellowship, which met weekly with city wide Deacons. His life was a living testimony of service, love and devotion.

In his spare time, Rev. Baskette enjoyed reading the bible, the newspaper, and working crossword puzzles. In his younger days, you might find him jogging or running from his home through Seneca Park 2-3 times a week, approximately 10 miles round trip for exercise. In his seasoned years, he became a U of L and Chicago Bears fan. He welcomed phone calls and visits. He loved everyone.

Rev. Baskette was a kindhearted, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a provider and always made time for family. Whether he was giving to the Crusade for Children, or St. Jude Charities, he had a heart for giving to anyone in need.

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, God called his son, William Paul Baskette, Sr., from labor to reward. He leaves to cherish his memory, his two children, William Paul Baskette, Jr, and L’Tanya Baskette; five grandchildren, Ashley Baskette, Tranissa Baskette, Eric Baskette, Donte’ Baskette, and Evelyn Burkhead; 15 great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death, by his wife, Mary Lucille; mother, Laura Baskette; brothers, Wade Childress and Glen Childress.