Tommie Clyde Baskin

Tommie Clyde Baskin departed this earthly realm on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Ontario, California. He was born on February 18, 1947, the third son of Booker Thomas and Nellie L. Baskin, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Most of his toddler and elementary school days were spent in the West End on Dayton Street. He attended Heberle Elementary until the family moved to Evanston where he attended Evanston Elementary. Tommie entered seventh grade at Withrow High School and graduated in 1965. During his six years at Withrow, Tommie was active in the Chess Club, Senior Choir, and football until an injury prevented his participation. He accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized by Rev. Dr. J. W. Adams at Evergreen Baptist Church where he was nurtured in Christian teaching. The strong family work ethic instilled influenced Tommie to balance academics and after school employment at J. J. Newberry as a stock person. He was affectionately known as “TC” as he walked with pride wearing the latest fashion and twirling his pocket name chain. Tommie was known to drive his dad’s 1962 Cadillac and buy fifty cents of gas for the tank.

Tommie enlisted in the United States Air Force in May 1966 and spent active duty in US and Thailand. He was honorably discharged in December 1969 at the rank of Sergeant.

After military duty, Tommie followed his brothers and migrated to Los Angeles, California where he enrolled and completed course work at Los Angeles City College. As an adult, he continued to matriculate at the following educational institutions: California State University, Los Angeles, California Poly State University, University of Laverne-Ecumenical Center for Religious Studies, Ministerial Training Institute-Master of Biblical Counseling and Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Counseling. He also received multiple certificates of training as a Correctional Peace Officer, California Youth Authority Supervisor and Grief Recovery Training.

Tommie was an avid reader, listener to radio and TV commentators and held conversations on social, political, economic and faith community issues. He loved to garden and watch God’s hand grow the planted seeds to produce fruits, vegetables, and trees. Tommie mastered the BT Baskin Senior’s candied yams and wore the Chef hat well. He followed all sports, but Los Angeles and Cincinnati teams were his favorites. In his spare time, he served as a head football coach and led his team to the championship. Tommie loved to fish as well as crack and enjoy King Crab Legs.

In 1970, he was united in holy matrimony to Bobbie Scott and born to this union, one son, Thomas Corday. The family moved from Los Angeles to Riverside, California. In 1973, Tommie began his career in the California Department of Corrections as an Officer and retired in 2003 as Senior Youth Correctional Counselor Supervisor. During his tenure in the Department of Corrections and California Youth Authority, he was committed to providing education, health, safety and a path of rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals.

He was united in holy matrimony in December 1979 to the late Twila Stewart and born to this union, a daughter, Leah Gayle and son, Jacque. The family resided in Baldwin Park and later moved to Apple Valley, California where he had a comfortable and fruitful life.

Tommie united with New Revelation Baptist Church, Ontario, California and was ordained a Deacon by Reverend David E. January on January 14, 1979. In 1985, he answered his call to ministry and was licensed to preach. He received the ordination as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1990. Reverend Baskin pastored Gone Fishing Ministries and Eagles Wing Community Church in Apple Valley, California. The church ministry witnessed the plan of salvation to many and provided food, shelter, and clothing to those in need. On February 27, 2005, Reverend Baskin was consecrated as Bishop by International Churches of Praise. Bishop Baskin’s ministry reflected Matthew 25:40 Gospel, “when you have cared for the least of these, you have cared for me.” His preaching, teaching and loving pastoral care blessed many individuals. Bishop Baskin’s heart of compassion, spirit of humility and charismatic spirit radiated a true servant leader of Jesus Christ.

In April 2017, Bishop Baskin was united in holy matrimony to the late Debra Ware who he referred to as his soul mate. They shared a loving partnership in marriage and ministry. He retired from pastoring and continued to serve in Grief Ministry until he faced personal health challenges. Bishop Baskin ministered to those facing death with comfort as well as providing guidance and support through the grief process.

Our beloved leaves a legacy of steadfast faith, kindness, and love for humankind. Above all, we celebrate a dedicated husband, faithful father and reliable friend who provided his family’s every need. This servant of God demonstrated unwavering faith through life’s hurdles and hardships but persevered until God called him from labor to reward. May his example of love and respect to humankind continually thrive in the hearts of those lives he touched. Rest on, our Dearly Beloved, Rest on.

Left to move this legacy forward:

Two Sons, Thomas Corday Baskin(Sally); of Austin, Texas; Jacque Baskin of California; One Daughter, Leah Gayle Baskin of Las Vegas, Nevada; Granddaughter, Simone Baskin; Grandson, Joshua Baskin; Three brothers: Reverend Booker Thomas Baskin Jr. (Joyce) of St. Francisville, Louisiana; Norman Baskin of Victorville, CA , Leon Baskin of Apple Valley, CA ; One Sister: Reverend Carolyn Baskin-Bell (Larry) of Los Angeles, CA and nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends