Obituary of Dean Bass

Ora Dean Bass passed away on March 7, 2021. He was born October 9, 1946 to Ora and Thelma Mae (Moore) Bass in Lamar, MO. He attended Lamar Schools through 8th grade when his family relocated to the family farm northeast of Lamar and he attended Lockwood High School, graduating in 1966. Immediately after graduating, Dean was drafted. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving one year in Vietnam. After he was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces he lived and worked at several jobs in Waco, TX. He was a mechanic and brake specialist for years. He later attended McLennon Jr College and became a jailer and Deputy Sheriff for McLennon County. He moved back to Missouri to be closer to his aging parents. He worked at Gilkey’s as a mechanic and then went to work for, and retired from, Thorco as a maintenance man. Law enforcement was a passion for Dean so he then went to work as a Barton County Sheriff Bailiff where he remained until his health declined and he could no longer work. He was a maintenance master who could work on, and fix almost anything. Dean leaves behind his high school sweetheart, “Sweetie” Donna Stebbins; siblings, Alfred (Retta) Bass of Wichita, KS, Wilma Volkman of Harrisonville, MO, Nancy (Mike) Boman of Lamar, MO; two daughters Tonna (Mike) Williamson and Tissa Bass who live in Texas; and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews who were “the apple of his eye”, their children, and many family members who are united by love and caring rather than legal ties. His loving devotion earned him the title “Unca” and “Grandpa” to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Lonny Bass, an infant son, and an infant niece. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Maple Grove Cemetery or to Milford Christian Church. The family will receive visitors at 10 AM Saturday March 13, 2021 at Konantz Warden Funeral Home in Lamar, MO. A service will follow at 11 AM.