Virgil Basgall, former Emporia city manager, died Friday, July 17, 2009 at Presbyterian Manor in Emporia. He was 97.
Basgall served as city manager for 22 years, retiring in the fall of 1981.
During his time as city manager, Basgall accomplished many things, including helping to bring the Interstate 35 bypass to Emporia. He was an instrumental figure in Emporia, serving when both the Armour meat packing plant (now Tyson) and Dolly Madison came to town.
Basgall started out as a reporter in Hays before going to work as that city’s accountant. He then became city clerk in Hays, moving up to city manager in 1945. In 1950, he became city manager of Junction City, and came to Emporia in 1960. In addition to a number of activities, Basgall served on the board of trustees for the Kansas Public Empolyees Retirement System, where he was chairman for several years. In 1983, he was awarded a Distinguished Service Award from the International City Management Association. He also served as chairman of the board of Admire State Bank and Trust, and was president of the League of Kansas Municipalities.
Basgall also served as interim city manager in Ottawa after he retired from his job in Emporia.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The family will meet friends in the Parish Hall following the service.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
justthinkin (anonymous) says...
Thank you Virgil, for all you did for Emporia. You are loved and will be missed.
July 18, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Town could use a manager like him now!
July 18, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
Rest in peace, Mr. Basgall. It was my honor to be a city employee under your supervision. You were fair, honest and ethical towards the citizens. You were all of this towards your employees and you showed them respect. And they respected you. You would have not antagonized your employees by threatening, loudly and several times within a single meeting, to "*quote* Produce or you're outta here! ! ! ! " (Accompanied by finger pointing and other gesturing.) Your employees required no chest-thumping threats to motivate them: the two-way respect street was sufficient. Rest in peace. MR Basgall.
July 19, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stanbstewart (anonymous) says...
Mr. Basgall's influence extended well past the Emporia city limits. He was a mentor to many city managers throughout the state and country. He was instrumental in my career of public service and a model of integrity and wisdom to many. His contributions to the KU School of City Management , ICMA, KACM, KPERS and the Ks League continue to be of benefit. He was an amazing individual who also showed us the beauty of a marriage and city management at its best. He and Winnie set an example for us all.
Stan Stewart
El Dorado
July 20, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )