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- Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, Inc.
Thomas ?T.J.? Bassett
December 22, 1982 ? January 19, 2026
Thomas ?T.J? Bassett, 43, of Columbus, IN, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 due to injuries sustained in a traffic accident. T.J. was born in Columbus, IN on December 22, 1982 to Samuel Griner and Sharon Bassett. He married Stacey Smith on March 28, 2018.
T.J. was a dedicated employee of Lumberman's in Shelbyville, Indiana, where he was not only a respected truck driver but also a cherished colleague. His work ethic and camaraderie were as solid as the loads he hauled, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who worked alongside him.
An avid outdoorsman, T.J. found solace and joy in the simplicity of nature. He was most at home with a fishing rod in hand, waiting patiently by the water for the next big catch. Camping trips were a highlight for T.J., where he could share stories around the campfire under a canopy of stars. His love for working on cars was more than a hobby; it was a passion that fueled his curious and mechanical mind, always tinkering and improving, much to the admiration of his friends and family.
Muddin' was another of T.J.'s favorite pastimes, where he reveled in the thrill of off-road adventures, laughing in the face of mud-splattered challenges. Karaoke nights were a testament to T.J.'s fun-loving nature, as he never shied away from belting out tunes, much to the delight and amusement of his audience.
Above all, T.J.'s heart belonged to his family. He was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His unwavering support, boundless love, and the precious memories created during family gatherings will be treasured forever.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory. Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. Tuesday until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be at Moravian Cemetery, Hope, IN.
Survivors include his wife, Stacey Bassett; father, Samuel Griner; mother, Sharon Ford (Streeval); children, Candice Bassett, Kyle Bassett, Dawn Herner, Shane Smith, Gage Hendley and Mia Smith; brothers, Clint Streeval and Daniel Streeval; sister, Sarah Streeval; goddaughter, Nevaeh Madden Joyner; mother-in-law, Nova Smith; brother and sister in laws, Carol Pierce, Jeremiah Smith Jr., Scott Smith, Mark Smith, Aaron Smith, Krystal Smith and Kimberly Williamson; several nieces, nephews and special friends he considered like family, Brian and Trish Titara, Jordan Wilson and John Applegate.
T.J. was preceded in death by his son, Jayden Bassett and father-in-law, Jeremiah ?Jerry? Smith Sr.
The Republic, Columbus, Indiana, Tuesday, 20 January 2026
Patricia A. Lee: Thomas J. Bassett: Two people killed in head-on collision Monday in the 5000 block of East County Road 600N
COLUMBUS, Ind. -- An investigation is continuing into a double fatal accident that occurred at about 12:41 p.m. Monday in the 5000 block of East County Road 600N.
Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Dane Duke said deputies were sent to a report of a vehicle collision with unknown injuries. While still en route, deputies received further information that the collision was head-on between two vehicles and that occupants of each vehicle were trapped inside.
Upon deputies' arrival the driver and sole occupant of one vehicle was found to be deceased, Duke said. The Bartholomew County Coroner's Office identified that individual as Thomas J. Bassett, 43, Nineveh.
A passenger in the other involved vehicle also died in the collision, identified as Patricia A. Lee, 69, Columbus. The driver in the Lee vehicle, Rondall Lee, age unavailable, Columbus, was transported by Lifeline helicopter to an Indianapolis area hospital in critical condition, Duke said.
The collision remains under investigation by the Bartholomew County Accident Reconstruction Team.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1982 - 2026 (43 years)