TAMPA, FL: Earl LeRoy Basting, 75 of Tampa, FL formerly of Mansfield, Ohio died at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2011 in the care of LifePath Hospice in Tampa, Florida following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born June 26, 1936, in Mansfield, Ohio (Richland County) he was a son of the late Joseph Frank and Celene LeRoy Basting.

Mr. Basting attend Mansfield City Schools prior to beginning his professional career in Boxing.
A former Golden Gloves boxer from Ohio, turned pro and fought all over the world against boxing greats to include the Champion of Japan and Sugar Ray Robinson with professional record of 32-6-4.

Earl was married in Tampa on Nov. 3, 1978, to the former Donna J. Stone

He is survived by wife of 32 years Donna; son and spouse Richard and Diane Basting in Mansfield, OHIO; two Step-children, Kurt Vega of Fort Meyers, FL and Yvette Vega of Seffner, FL; five grandsons, Lee Preston, Evan Basting in Mansfield, OH and Kurt, John Vega of Fort Myers, FL; two granddaughters, Tammy and Tabitha Conn of Shelby, OHIO; and several great-grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Sandy Basting of Palm Bay, FL, and James and Marianna Basting of Mansfield, OH; two sisters and brother-in-law Peggy (Basting) Taylor of Mansfield, OH and Helen (Basting) Carver and Fred Carver of Brevard, NC; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his daughter Gwen Ellen Basting and brother Fred Basting.

Earl was a member of Victory Christian Center in Tampa, FL. Aside from retiring from boxing, Earl drove trucks and retired from security with Goodwill Industries. He loved the sunshine, ocean and the beach.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to LifePath Hospice (Melech Hospice House)

There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Earl's life, Sept 17, 2011, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1592 Grace Street in Mansfield, OHIO at 5 PM.

Published in the News Journal on September 12, 2011

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