| Notes |
- Buxton-Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home & Crematory
Elwyn Bass
Elwyn Bass, one of the few remaining ‘old Florida cowhunters’ has passed away at 85. He was born at the Durrance homestead in Basinger on November 19, 1931 to Oscar and Zona (Durrance) Bass. He went home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2017. During Mr. Bass’ early years, he was inseparable from his older brother J.C. They’d even started first grade together. At their Eagle Bay homestead during the Great Depression, life was simple yet tough. Elwyn grew up feeding and milking the family’s livestock both before and after the three and a half mile walk to school. It was said that his feet were so tough he’d run barefoot through a sandspur patch. Of course, on their off time, he and J.C. would get into boyhood mischief such as hunting coons with their trusty dogs Mutt and Mange. By the time Elwyn was old enough to saddle his own horse, he learned to cowhunt from both his grandfather James Durrance, and father Oscar Bass. His early cowhunting days were filled with tales of cow camps, horse wrecks, catching big hogs, long rides, good horses and dogs, and colorful characters while Florida was still a vast, open range. He loved to tell those tales. He’d driven cattle across at least five counties, been in an actual stampede, and once gathered a herd that turned out to be 10,000 cows. As time passed, Mr. Bass was needed at home. He returned to the family ranch and worked alongside his siblings J.C., Glenn, and Elda Mae for the past 60 years. Ranching is full of oppositions such as ticks, flies, freezes, droughts, theft, predators, fires and taxes. Together they faced many challenges, and together they triumphed. Until his passing, Elwyn was an active rancher. He had fed his cows a few days ago, had driven his tractor a few weeks ago, he rode his horse a few months ago. He even roped a calf a few years ago. It has truly been a blessing to be part of a life where a zest for another tomorrow reigned for nearly a century. When not ranching, reading history books, or watching westerns, Elwyn could be found reading to and playing with the great -grandchildren. They brought one another true joy. In his lifetime Elwyn accomplished several things. He was named as an Honorary Director of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. He was a founding member of the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association, where he served as a director. He was a founding member of the Florida Cracker Cattlemen’s Association. There he served as a director and two terms as president. He was instrumental in the efforts to preserve the Florida Cracker Cattle from extinction; as well as being inducted into the Florida Cracker Trail Hall of Fame by Governor Chiles. He was also involved with the Florida Cracker Horse Association. In addition, his ranch was nominated and awarded to be a C.A.R.E.S. recipient. He was also a member of the Basinger Christian Brethren Church. Elwyn was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Zona (Durrance) Bass. By his first wife of 36 years, Irma Joyce (Gray) Bass. And his last wife Patricia (Rose-Vick) Bass. He is survived by his brothers, J.C. (JoAnne) of Basinger, Glenn (Patsy) of Basinger; sister, Elda Mae of Basinger; sons, Quinn (Patty) Bass of Tennessee and Brian (Becky) Bass of Ohio; daughter, Marilyn (Keith) Lundy of Basinger; stepson, Jimmy (Michele) Rose of Hernando; stepdaughter, Debbie Simonek of Hernando; seven grandchildren; five step- grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A special heartfelt thank you goes out to his granddaughter, Cindy Doyle and especially his daughter, Marilyn Lundy for their unwavering devotion to being his attentive and nurturing care takers for the past couple of years. As well as his oldest grandson, Jared Figley who worked alongside of his grandpa for many years. His hard work and dedication to carrying his family's legacy have been greatly appreciated. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2017 at Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Basinger Cemetery. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com. All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.
|
Bassett Family Association Database
1931 - 2017 (85 years)