By Deborah Larsen
Basil Otto Simon
Basil Otto Simon was born in Rochester, Michigan, on August 25, 1922, the son of Otto and Harriet Misener Simon. Before the war, Basil was employed at National Twist Drill & Tool Company in Avon Township.
In August 1943, Basil entered the U.S. Navy. He was stationed aboard the repair ship USS Prometheus. The Prometheus was deployed to the South Pacific and tended ships involved in the campaigns for the Philippines and the Palau Islands. Basil was released from military service in January 1946.
After the war, Basil married and started a family. He lived in Pontiac Township and was employed in a grocery store.
Basil Otto Simon died at age 78 on June 19, 2001, and was laid to rest in Berkley, Michigan.