Valeria Joy Derichsweiher
June 29, 2021
Courtesy of: Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

Bob's journey began as a bright young man, graduating Valedictorian from St. John's High School in 1956. He furthered his education at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana, where he received a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1960. Bob began his career as a production engineer at Union Carbide in Seadrift, Texas. In 1961, he met Bernice Treptow, who started working at Union Carbide as a secretary. They married in 1964 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville, Texas. In 1965, they moved to McAlester, Oklahoma where Bob joined Tony's Gas House operated by his father. In 1967, Bob expanded Tony's Gas House to include Tony's Chemical House. As president of Tony's Chemical House, Bob was an avid salesman operating offices in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Missouri. In 1994, he sold Tony's Chemical House to Central Garden & Pet of California. In 2000, Bob founded Southwest Chemical Services, Inc. which specialized in servicing water plants in many communities in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas. After many years of operation, he sold Southwest Chemical Services to Water Tech, Inc. of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Bob spent the remaining years of his career working for Water Tech, eventually retiring in 2021. Bob's civic engagement was extensive. He helped organize the first Italian Festival in McAlester, served as president of McAlester Rotary Club, served as a board member for the McAlester Public Library, and as a member of the Southeast Oklahoma Girl Scout Board. He was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America and long-time member of the Elks Lodge. Bob was a devout Catholic who lived out his faith-filled nature. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight, State Deputy of Oklahoma and Vice Supreme Master over the Guadalupe Province of Texas and Oklahoma. He also re-started the "Running of the Silver Rose." He was a very active member of St. John's Catholic Church. In 1985, Bob attended a cursillo retreat which had a profound effect on him. He and Bernice became very active in the cursillo movement. He served on the parish board, finance committee and as lector. He was also an advocate for the pro-life movement. Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bernice (Treptow) Basolo; his children: Regina Edwards and husband Larry of McAlester, Robert Basolo Jr. of Kansas City, MSgt. Patrick Basolo and wife Cindy of McAlester, Dr. Rebecca Sells and husband Dr. Paul Sells of McAlester, and Christopher Basolo, of Edmond; Grandchildren: Julia Andrews and husband Judah, Jake Edwards and wife Shay, Rachael Bernardi and husband Kyle, Stormi McKay, Tanner Sells, SSgt. Clayton Sells, Tristan Sells, and Sarah Dozier and husband Evan; Great Grandchildren: Dani Weston, Duke Edwards, Addison Bernardi, Raylan Bernardi, Oaklyn Bernardi, Ryan Sells, Remington Sells, and soon-to-arrive Agustin Dozier. Bob also leaves behind his sister, Dr. Mary Catherine Dettling; brother-in-law, Lt Col Robert Dettling; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jo Ann Connelly, Brenda Bomar and husband James, and Bill Treptow and wife Liz; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of friends who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ethel Basolo; his sister, Beverly Basolo; mother-in-law and father-in-law: William and Helen Treptow; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Russell and Mildred Cole; brother-in-law, Tommy Connelly; nephew, Bobby Dettling, and great niece, Lauren deMiranda; who held special places in his heart. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024 at Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Church with the Very Reverend Jovita Okonkwo celebrating. The burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jake Edwards, Judah Andrews, Tanner Sells, Tristan Sells, Clayton Sells, Kyle Bernardi and Evan Dozier. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Naush, Mark Lauerman, Mike Echelle, Buddy Gaberino, Bob Etner, Tony Grosfield, Tim Reid, Joe Massaro, Ron Mansour, Albert Ross, Allen Mann, Dr. William Wynn, John Shuller, Chris Sutterfield, Harold Glenn, Tommy Graham, Grover Compton, Dr. Johnny Zellmer, Tom Forrester, Richard Griffin, Mike Shipman, Joe Puma, Pat Battaglia, Trent Spolar, Tom McSweeney and Joe Graves.