Rev. Paul D. Basham, Longtime Maine Educator, Dies at 98

The reverend served on the Vassalboro, Maine school board and was a writer for local newspapers.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:31am

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Rev. Paul D. Basham, a longtime educator and minister in Maine, passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 98. Basham had a long career in the Church of the Nazarene, serving on staff at churches in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Maine. From 1980 to 2000, he was the Director of the Lighthouse Day School and Day Care in South Portland, Maine. Basham was also involved in the community, serving on the Vassalboro, Maine school board and writing for local newspapers like the Town Line and the Concord Monitor.

Why it matters

Rev. Basham's passing marks the end of an era for the Church of the Nazarene in Maine, where he was a prominent figure for decades. His work in education and community journalism also left a lasting impact on the state.

The details

Basham was born in Cumberland, Maryland in 1927 and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, New Jersey in 1945. He went on to earn degrees from Eastern Nazarene College and Nazarene Theological Seminary. In addition to his work in churches, Basham was a member of Rotary Clubs in Augusta, Concord, and Marlton, and served on the Vassalboro school board. He was also a writer for local newspapers in Maine and New Hampshire.

  • Rev. Basham passed away on January 24, 2026 at the age of 98.
  • His funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Wiley Church in Marlton, New Jersey.
  • The burial service will be held at Brooklawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Portland, Maine on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Rev. Paul D. Basham

A 98-year-old reverend who had a long career in the Church of the Nazarene, serving on staff at churches in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Maine. He was also involved in education and community journalism in Maine.

Wiley Church

The church in Marlton, New Jersey where Rev. Basham's funeral service will be held.

Brooklawn Memorial Park Cemetery

The cemetery in Portland, Maine where Rev. Basham will be buried.

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What’s next

Memorial contributions can be made to the Paul Basham Institute for Ministry Development in Gardiner, Maine or to the Wiley Mission in Marlton, New Jersey.

The takeaway

Rev. Basham's long career and involvement in his local communities in Maine left a lasting impact, and his passing marks the end of an era for the Church of the Nazarene in the state.