J. Martin Basinger, of Kent County, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025.  Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Englunds Funeral Service of Slaton.

J. Martin was born on April 28, 1932 in Lynn County to Thomas Haywood and Mary Ella Basinger.  He married the love of his life, Jean Sims Basinger on March 30, 1951 at the Sims Ranch in Post.  He was a farmer & rancher and learned the art of farming from his father and ranching from his father-in-law, Red Sims.

J. Martin was a man of many talents, he very much enjoyed the art of making a deal and was extremely creative having a great imagination.  He loved to design bits and spurs for his spur making friends and, as they will tell you, they loved some of the designs and some were a little too far-out. J. Martin was also the driving force in creating the bit and spur books “Artistry in Silver and Steel – the Adolph Bayers Legend.  In his later life, J. Martin’s favorite thing to do was turning wood.  He made hundreds of bit and spur stands as well as some beautiful stools and tables. He did the turning and sanding but his wife, Jean, was the one who had the magic touch to put the finish on them.  A couple of years ago, J. Martin was featured on an episode of Texas Country Reporter talking about his work.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Jean, three sisters and a brother.

J. Martin is survived by his daughter, Laura Lynn Boyd and her husband, Tommy of Lubbock; his sons, J. Ray Basinger of Buckhorn, NM and John T. Basinger and his wife, Kathy of Slaton; his granddaughter, Amy Jean Coleman and her husband, Michael of Smiths Station, AL.; and his great-grandchildren, Byrdie Ella Coleman and Connor Coleman.

The family suggests memorials be made to the National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79409-3200.