Donn Moomaw’s wife grew up in Santa Ana, where she attended Santa Ana High School.
Moomaw, a 1973 College Football Hall of Fame Inductee who played two-way for the UCLA Bruins from 1950 to 1952, passed away on February 10, 2025, in Pasadena, California, at 93.
Highlights
- Donn Moomaw took his last breath on February 10, 2025, due to an undisclosed reason.
- Moomaw was married to Carol Irene Basler in 1958. Their married life ended in 2024 following the tragic death of Carol.
- Carol and Donn were blessed with five children.
He was the second oldest living Hall of Fame player. NFF Chairman Archie Manning paid a small tribute to Donn by stating,
“Donn Moomaw was a true giant in the game of football, not just for his dominance on the field at UCLA, but for the extraordinary life he led beyond the game,” . “A two-time All-American and a member of the inaugural Academic All-America Hall of Fame class, he embodied the highest ideals of the scholar-athlete. His remarkable journey—from the gridiron to a life of service in the ministry—speaks to his deep character and unwavering commitment to others. We are extremely saddened by his passing, and we send our condolences to his family, friends, and the UCLA community.”
Arch Manning
Moomaw arrived on campus as an end before being shifted to center and linebacker by Hall of Fame coach Henry “Red” Sanders.
He was a two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1952. Injuries in 1951 limited him to the All-American second team, but he was deemed an All-Conference first-teamer for the second of three consecutive years.
His finest season came as a senior in 1952. His defensive prowess led the Bruins to an 8-1 record, a campaign marred only by a bitter 14-12 loss to archrival Southern California in a game that decided the Pacific Coast Conference title.
The Associated Press and United Press International selected Moomaw as the nation’s Lineman of the Year in 1952, and he was named MVP in the North-South All-Star Game in Miami.
Donn Moomaw And His Wife, Carol Irene Basler Had Five Children Within Ten Years
Donn Moomaw and Carole Irene Basler met at a College Briefing Conference at Forest Home Christian Camp, where Donn was the keynote speaker.
Later, they tied the knot in 1958 and moved from Berkeley to Los Angeles in 1964. Their married life ended after 66 years following the tragic death of Carol on April 24, 2024.
They had five children: Dann Moomaw, Michelle Le Beau, Carrie Brakebush, Nancy Goodwin, and John Moomaw.
Carrie lives in Bradbury with her husband, Dave Brakebush. She studied BCLAD Teacher’s Credential: Multiple Subject with English Learner Authorization Credential; No Child Left Behind Multiple Subject Highly Qualified Credential at California State University, Los Angeles.
Later, she served as an Arbonne Independent Consultant at carriebrakebush.arbonne.com and Duarte Unified School District teacher.
In addition, Donn and Carol had ten grandchildren who have managed to stay away from social media.
Currently, Donn’s children are mourning the loss of their father.
Rest in peace, Donn Moomaw.
Donn Moomaw’s Wife, Carol Irene Basler, Was A Member Of Bel Air Presbyterian Church
Donn Moomaw’s wife, Carol Irene Basler, was born on June 18, 1938, in Ogden, Utah, to her father, Herman, and her mother, Virginia Basler.
Her father, Herman, was a chiropractor and the pioneer of Southern California nursing homes. At the same time, her mother, Virginia, served alongside Herman in the nursing homes while raising Carol and her sister, Nancy.
Carol grew up in Santa Ana, where she enrolled at Santa Ana High School.
She was a longtime member of Bel Air Presbyterian Church, where Donn served as Senior Pastor for 28 years.
Donn Moomaw, an American football player, aged 93. RIP. pic.twitter.com/TkAYe4BjJG
— Rest In Peace News (@RestInpeacenews) February 12, 2025
While at Bel Air, Carol led Bible studies and started the Bel Air Women’s group.
In 2015, Carol and Donn moved to Monte Vista Grove Homes, surrounded by many lifelong friends in ministry.
Additional Information
- In 1993, Moomaw was forced to resign as a result of “sexual contact” with five women. In 1997, he was allowed to return to the pulpit full-time at the 800-member Village Community Presbyterian Church in Rancho Santa Fe. Before that position, Rev. Moomaw was allowed to serve as the guest preacher at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
- Moomaw gave the inaugural address at Reagan’s inaugurations as governor of California in 1967 and 1971 and later at his presidential inaugurations in 1981 and 1985.
- The team has retired his UCLA jersey number (#80).
