Raymond Latrell Bass, 94, of Warrenton, Formerly of Jonesburg, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, at Oak Pointe Assisted Living in Warrenton, surrounded by family.
Ray was born on September 25, 1930, in Paragould, Arkansas, to Manley Bass and Deana (Eubanks) Bass. At the age of 17, Ray enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his four years of service, he was ranked as an E-5 Sergeant and was awarded numerous medals for his extraordinary heroism in combat and his time served in the Korean War. He returned home in January 1952 and married the love of his life, Marilyn Elaine (Voorhees) Bass on October 10, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri. They raised two loving daughters and spent nearly 72 years together, with Ray passing two days before their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Ray and Marilyn lived in Jonesburg, for 46 years. He was on the Berkeley Police Department and Fire Department for many years before going to Airborne Air Freight. He belonged to the Teamsters 600 and eventually retired from Airborne Air Freight.
Throughout his life Ray always raised horses, most commonly Belgian horses, and used them to pull wagons. He was in numerous weddings, parades, etc., with them. He spent a substantial amount of time at horse sales and auctions over the years. He was proud of his saddles, harnesses, and wagons, all of which were made at the Amish communities in Clark and Bowling Green, Missouri. He made weekly visits to these areas where he was known as “Uncle Ray” and made sure to always bring treats along with him.
Ray was a remarkable person who truly valued both his work and his family. It was inspiring to know someone who could maintain a strong work ethic while also being present for their loved ones. He was a loving and attentive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Ray is survived by his wife, Marilyn Elaine Bass, of the home; two daughters: Debra Miller and Donna (Mike) Noonan; four grandchildren: Christy (Jon) Freeman, Kimberley (Jack) Eller, Robert “Bobby” (Heather Paul) Miller, Heather (Dennis) Kopp; ten great-grandchildren: Elizabeth (AJ) Harding, Kristin Eller, Tyler Eller, Maddison Miller, Scott Kopp, Jasper Miller, Louis Freeman, Logan Kopp, Levi Freeman, Zachary Miller; two great-great-grandchildren: Oaklynn Harding, Theodore Harding; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Manley and Deana Bass, son-in-law Robert D. Miller, and siblings, Martha Creason, Everett “Sam” Bass, and Reba Wait.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at the Warrenton Cemetery in Warrenton, on Friday, October 18, at 12:00 P.M., with Reverend Gene Hall officiating. Memorial Contributions are suggested to Helping Hands and Horses, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
