Basil W. Tennant, 74, of Unadilla passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening, October 8, 2011 at the Tri-Town Regional Hospital of Sidney.

Basil was born on July 4, 1937 in Walton, the son of the late Basil H. and Gertrude M. (Burghart) Tennant. He was a graduate of Walton High School. On July 5, 1963 he married the former Ruth Beers. He proudly served his country in the US Army. He was employed by Bendix Corp., Sidney, for many years.

Basil was a former member of the Sidney Elks Club and Christ Episcopal Church. Basil enjoyed playing football for the Oneonta Indians until he was 38 years old. He also played in Germany when he was stationed there. Basil was a quiet country kind of guy who enjoyed working around his home in the yard or in the garden. He had many hobbies like raising beef, singing in the Group of Four, cutting stone or going to flea markets where his passion for antiques was readily apparent.

He is survived by his loving family, his wife, Ruth; his children, Pamela (James) Gruscavage of Deposit; Randy McClenon of New York; Russell (Diana) Mc Clenon of Walton, NY; 3 grandchildren, Travis, Adam and Carol; one great-granddaughter, Danielle; his brother and sisters, Mary Mehegan of Walton, NY, Carolyn (Tom) Quick of Walton, NY, Gloria (Doug) Vredenburgh of Delhi, NY, Sally (David) Frink of Norwich, NY, Barbara (James) Utter of Unadilla; Michael (Noreda) Tennant, William (Barbara) Tennant of Oneonta, NY, Walter (Cindy) Tennant of Walton, NY, John (Sherrie) Tennant of Walton, NY, Jerry (Rose) Tennant of Treadwell, NY, Robert Tennant of Florida;; Sister In Law, Linda Tennant of Franklin; several nieces, nephews,cousins and many special friends. He was predeceased by a brother George Tennant earlier this year.

A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 in Walton Cemetery, with Pastor Tom Davis, officiating with full military honors. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions in Basil's memory may be made to either Unadilla Fire Dept. and EMS, 77 Clifton St., Unadilla, NY 13849 or a charity of one's choice.