William "Bill" Bass' Obituary
William Bass Obituary
A memorial service honoring the life of William A. "Bill" Bass, Jr. will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in the South Tulsa Baptist Church Chapel. Bill passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in Tulsa. He was 90. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bixby Funeral Service. Born May 21, 1927 in Ft. Worth, TX, Bill was the first of two sons born to William A. Bass, Sr. and Dovie (Law) Bass. While growing up, the Bass family lived in North Texas, Kansas and Tulsa. He graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1944. Bill attended Oklahoma Baptist University where he met and married fellow student Cleo Firestone. Their wedding was September 4, 1949 in Shawnee, OK. While in school, Bill joined the U.S. Navy where he served as a pilot during the Korean War. Bill was honorably discharged and completed his petroleum engineering degree at the University of Oklahoma. He was employed in Duncan, OK and Oklahoma City before returning to Tulsa where he worked as a geologist and petroleum engineer; most significantly, for prominent oilman and philanthropist, J.A. Chapman.Bill loved playing golf and had been a member of the Oaks Country Club. He enjoyed playing with his golfing buddies for many years. An avid sports fan, he enthusiastically watched television coverage of the Sooners and, the San Antonio Spurs where his brother had been the head coach. Bill was known as a dedicated coach for his children and a devoted spectator of his grandchildren's sports and school activities. Bill was a member of the Tulsa Petroleum Club where he was elected to a term as Vice President. Genealogy was a great interest for Bill. He had been member and served a term of President for the Broken Arrow Genealogical Society. Bill participated in many adventurous trips with ElderHostel/Road Scholar along with numerous family members. Enjoyment of these trips lead to him becoming a local spokesperson for the organization. Bill was an active member of South Tulsa Baptist Church before his health began to decline. Bill's family members include: his children: William Bass, III and wife, Mary of Seminole, FL; Gary Bass of Clearwater, FL; Ric Bass of Tulsa, OK and Amy Bass of Anaheim, CA; a brother, Robert "Bob" Bass and wife, Pat of San Antonio, TX and his grandchildren: Katy, Kyle, Alexia and Chelsea Bass. He was preceded in death by: his parents and his wife of 68 years, Cleo (Firestone) Bass, who passed away this January.To honor Bill's memory, consider a gift to your favorite charity.Service South Tulsa Baptist Church 10310 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 1:00 PM
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