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Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 22 January 2024
Joseph Bass
Joe graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1961 and, a man of unwavering commitment, he dedicated more than 35 years of his life to Post Cereals, retiring in 1997. He lovingly served in his church community, as a Deacon, at Bethlehem Temple of Springfield, planting flowers there with his dear friend, Mrs. Jeanine McGee.
Known as "Coach Bass" to the hundreds of athletes he mentored for more than 40+ years, and affectionately as "Uncle Joe" from his numerous nieces & nephews, Joe was a beacon of inspiration on and off the field. From winning his first track medal in the 75-yard dash at Ann J. Kellogg in 1955 -- where his love of sports was born -- to earning top honors in football, basketball, and track & field at Battle Creek Central, his athletic prowess was matched only by his passion for coaching & mentorship, and he would later use those same talents to coach hundreds of kids of all ages from throughout greater Battle Creek; he would continue his athletic feats at Kellogg Community College, studying political science and running cross country & track.
Joe met his sweetheart & life-long friend, Ms. Gwendolyn O. Henry, in 1967; they married in 1968, and from that union, three wonderful children were born.
A fervent Michigan State fan, Joe's love for sports was rivaled only by his enthusiasm for knowledge, and he often immersed himself in reading novels, newspapers, political science books & the Bible, always seeking to enrich his mind. His extensive record collection, spanning decades from the 50s to the 90s, reflected his appreciation for music that transcended generations.
Joe loved toy trains, was an avid gardener, a birdwatcher and camping enthusiast, and cherished the natural beauty of places like Tahquamenon Falls, Mackinac Island & Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Joe was also a lover of movies - from Casablanca & all-things James Bond to comedy - and he could often be heard quoting movie lines to match any occasion.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Bass, Sr., his mother, Bertha Bass, his brother, James Scott; the aunties and uncle who reared him: Ms. Louise Williams, Pastor Ollie M. Rudolph, LT James (Uncle Pete) & Ms. Rebekah Stimage, brother-in-law, James Woods, mother-in-law Mrs. Maxine Carew & father-in-law Robert E. Henry.
Joseph "Bullet Bass", Jr. will be dearly missed. He leaves to cherish his memory Ms. Gwendolyn Henry, children Jeanne (Michael), Darius (Andrea) and Marla (Jimmy); his grandchildren, Ashleigh, Charles Shakylle, Devinn, Kyndall, Justin, Lauren & Quentin; and great grandson, Dylan; his sister, Mrs. Ruby Woods, a host of nieces & nephews, his best friend, Mr. Robert Holley; special companion, Ms. Betty Moorehead, friends, Ms. Agnes Nelson & Ms. Jeanette Broadway and a host of other special family & friends.
Visitation will be held at the Bethlehem Temple, 610 Parrish Street, on Saturday January 27, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
A celebration of Joseph's life will be held at the Bethlehem Temple on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 am with Elder Bernard Gladney of Bethlehem Temple officiating.
Interment will take place in the Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to: charity of one?s choice. Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com.
1940 Federal Census of Leland, Washington County, Mississippi (17 Apr 1940)
Joseph Bass Neg 37 M Head MS Same Carpenter
Bertha Harris Neg 23 F Wife MS Same
James Scott Neg 6 M Stepson MS Same
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Bassett Family Association Database
1903 - 1972 (69 years)