Teddy Ray Basco

Teddy Ray Basco, 79, of Grand Cane, Louisiana, died Tuesday, 20 January 2026. A graveside service will be Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grand Cane Cemetery, Bro. Jimmy Price officiating. Arrangements by Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

Teddy Ray was born 27 May 1946 to Orin S. and Ruby Hart Basco and baptized at St. Joseph’s Church in Zwolle, Louisiana, on 02 November 1946. The Bascos lived in Zwolle and Shreveport before making their home in Mansfield, Louisiana. Teddy Ray had many stories about the people and times on Martha Avenue and the family’s home across from the drive-in movie theater, where he was known to sneak in occasionally. His early years helping his daddy on the Sears repair truck made a man who could work on and fix just about anything.

After graduating from Mansfield High School, a young Teddy Ray worked for AB Haddox & Sons, Cleco, Broadway Lumber, and Ford-Basco Construction Heavy Equipment. On relocating to Ruston, Louisiana, he had a 15-year career with Soil Stabilizers. In 2000, Teddy Ray returned to DeSoto Parish to work for Roger Bierden at Bierden Construction, where he later retired.

In 2003, he married Donna and settled into life in Grand Cane where he became very competitive with his neighbors, trying to make sure his grass was mowed before theirs. He loved all sports, especially racing, spending time in his shop, and a hot, fresh Zwolle tamale right out of the steamer. He and Donna had many memorable experiences, traveling and being with family and friends.

Teddy Ray enjoyed sitting on the porch with John Russell, solving the world’s problems, and catching up by phone with former co-workers, especially Doug Haddox. His “fur baby” sidekick, Earl K. Long, will never be the same. Teddy Ray leaves behind deep love and cherished memories for many people, especially those who knew him as Brother, Daddy, Paw Paw, Bda, and Big Daddy.

Teddy Ray was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sam and Martha Basco, and maternal grandparents, John and Lucy Hart; his parents; an infant brother, Daniel Orin; and his brother-in-law, Jaime “Buddy” Bankson.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Gamble Basco; daughters: Jennifer Basco Payne (Steve) and Shelia Basco Hancock (Pete); Donna’s children: Dr. Andrew Crocker (Shane) and Katie Crocker Price (Jason); seven grandchildren: Logan, Dillon, Karson, Lexi, Maddie Ray, David “Fish,” and Jase; five great-grandchildren; siblings: Glenda Dale Bankson, Roger Allen Basco (Anna), and Rodney Wayne Basco (Cindy); and a host of nieces and nephews, friends and extended family.

John Russell, Paul Hesser, Jason Price, David Crocker, Doug Haddox, Lee J Haddox, TV Razor, and Terry Lowrey will honor Teddy Ray as pallbearers, with Lamar Haddox, Johnny Swain, Mike Haddox, and Roger Bierden as honorary pallbearers.

Teddy Ray Basco will be remembered for his sharp humor and unmistakable work ethic.