Orville "Ray" Baisden

The Greatest Generation lost another member on May 2, 2016. Orville Ray Baisden better known as "Red", made his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, with his wife Martha Jane Baisden, "Tommie". Red was the eldest of three boys born to Jim and Gladys Baisden of Verdunville West Virginia. In 1943, while attending West Virginia University, Red was drafted into the US Army Air Corps during WWII, and served as a navigator on B-29's flying missions in Europe. During his early career in the 1940's he was part of a team that tested navigation instruments over Alaska and the North Pole studying the effects of the Aurea Borealis. Later during the 1950's, Red was part of the Loyal Legion of Hurricane Hunters stationed in Bermuda; Red retired from the United States Air Force as a Colonel with 32 years of honorable service. During his life, Red traveled the world with Tommie by his side. His love for Tommie was unwavering and immeasurable. Loved ones that preceded him in death include his son Ray, brothers Herbert and Carl Sr. and his parents. Red is survived by Tommie his one true love of 71 years, and his sister-in-law Margie Baisden, and many nieces and nephews. Red's wishes were that no services be held in his honor. His final resting place will be in the Baisden Family Cemetery at Verdunville, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support your local veteran's organization. Our country lost a true patriot and our family lost a true treasure.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275