Rex Bass
August 21, 1928 ~ July 31, 2022
Funeral services for Mr. Rex Bass, 93, of Daingerfield, will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022 at South Union Baptist Church. Burial to follow at Clark Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation starting one hour prior to service time at the church.
Our dad, Rex Wendell Bass went to his Heavenly Home on July 31, 2022 at his home in Jenkins, TX. He was born on August 21, 1928 in Upshur County to Archie Mae Brice and Andrew Buck Bass. Services will be held at South Union Missionary Baptist Church, Daingerfield, Texas at 2:00 pm on August 6, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Betty Ruth Lee. Also preceded in death by brothers Willard Bass, J.W. Bass, Billy Wayne Bass, and sisters Evelyn “Polly” High, Wilma “Pat” Hass, Nira Reynolds, and Naomi Williams. Rex is survived by two daughters, Aleeda Ruth Barton and husband Michael Barton, Greta Susanne Smith and husband Ted Smith, all of Longview; four grandchildren, Joel Craig Beason and wife Juanita Beason of Longview, Alecia Rachelle Howell and husband Cory Howell of Daingerfield, Brandon Lee Smith and wife Rachel Smith of Nashville, Tennessee and Christen Smith Ferguson and husband Kyle Ferguson of Bryant, Arkansas. One brother, Donald Wilburn Bass and wife Roberta Bass of Gilmer, Sister-in-law Joyce Yvonne Farris and husband Billy Don Farris of Athens. Seven great grandchildren, Emily and Elizabeth Beason, Hudson and Presley Howell, Hadley and Harper Ferguson, Julia Smith and numerous nieces and nephews.
His family moved to Lone Star in 1935 where they worked in the logging business. Rex worked for Lone Star Steel Company before he began his 35-year employment with Morris County in 1955 as motor grader operator. In 1966 he was elected County Commissioner of Precinct 2 and was subsequently elected to six consecutive 4-year terms. During his tenure as Commissioner, the new Morris County Courthouse was built and he was instrumental in the design of the County Road signs in the shape of Morris County which are currently in use today. He also served as President of the Northeast Texas County Judges and Commissioners Convention from 1985-86.
Rex was a dedicated and active member of South Union Missionary Baptist Church for over 70 years. When a service was held, he filled his pew, as health permitted. He served as Deacon, Secretary to the Deacons, Church Clerk, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Church Trustee, Assistant Music Director, Building Committee member, 1st Vice President of the Men’s Brotherhood, Maintenance Committee member, Teacher of the New Members class and taught various other Sunday School and Christian Education classes.
One of his “favorite” organizations was the Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Oasis Lodge #79 AF and AM for 66 years. Of course, he never missed an opportunity to ‘flip’ pancakes at the annual Pancake Breakfast. His Masonic work included: Charter Member of Iron Bluff Lodge #1376 AF & AM, District Deputy Grand Master Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas No. 6, Past Master of Iron Bluff Lodge #1376 AF/AM and Oasis Lodge #79 AF/AM, District Masonic Instructor for 57 years, Lifetime proficiency certificate in the Masonic work, Golden Trowel award from Iron Bluff Lodge and Daingerfield Oasis Lodge (Terrell #83 Lodge), 33rd 2nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Knight Templar, Chapter and Council of Pittsburg, Texas. Lone Star Eastern Star Chapter #1083 and Past Patron, Chaplain of #1376, and Member of Lone Star Kiwanis Club.
Rex and Betty enjoyed hunting and camping together, as well as farming and growing most of their own vegetables and sharing those with family and neighbors. Peanut Brittle was one of his favorite recipes to share and he rarely missed making it for family holidays and other community gatherings. Rex enjoyed the challenge of various construction projects and was instrumental in the design and additions to his church. If anything needed ‘fixing’, he was always willing and able to help. His experience with heavy equipment made him a likely candidate for church and community building projects. Another favorite pass time was visiting with his friends and neighbors at Arnold’s Restaurant in Lone Star early in the morning having coffee with his and catching up on current events. Mrs. Fowler always made sure the birthday celebrations were special for the “coffee crew”.
Rex could be described as a true humanitarian. Webster’s definition of humanitarian is “devoted to the well-being of all human beings”. That definition truly sums up his life which has been devoted to serving God, his family, and others. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
We would like to express our appreciation for the prayers, phone calls, and visits. Also, to Sandy Doddy, PrimeCare Hospice and Jordan Home Health for their dedication and kindness in caring for our Dad.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to South Union Missionary Baptist Church, the Scottish Rite Hospital for children in Waco, or a charity or organization of your choosing.
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So sorry for your loss. Now he can rest with Mrs. Betty Ruth. Praying for your family.
A soft spoken, kind, good and honorable man. What a blessing to have your Daddy for nearly 94 years. Thoughts and prayers to Aleeta Ruth, Greta and all his family.
Rex was a great man, a great Mason and a great Friend. He will be missed.
Condolences and prayers for such a fine man
Our sincere condolences for the family of Bro. Bass. We have fond memories of him. Bro. E. G. Nielsen was pastor when we visited So. Union the first time back in 1977, and became our sponsoring church. Bro. Bass was always encouraging to us the times we were in the States and attended So. Union.
we are sorry to hear of Rex and lift up the family in prayer. Our thoughts are with you and would be there but for health considerations.
Bert and Diane Hervey
To Aleeda, Greta and the Extended Bass Family, with Deepest Regrets and Condolences”.
I was stunned and saddened to find out about Commissioner Bass’s passing today”.
Commissioner Bass was a Prince of a Fellow, a Genteel Southern Gentleman and one of the Finest Christian Gentleman that I ever had the Honor and Privilege of getting to know in my entire life”
He served his God, his Family, his Precinct and County, his Country and his Fellow Human Beings his entire life”
Commissioner Bass led by example and gave freely of the benefits of his knowledge and experience to any and all people who needed his assistance”
We can only strive to live up to Mr. Bass’s example of how to live our lives as he led his life”
This world is a lesser place without Mr. Bass in it.
It saddens me to learn of his passing; but I know that he is in a better place than we are”
He has finally joined his Beloved Betty Ruth and they can sing the praises of Our Lord and Savior forever”
You have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers”
May God Bless You All Now and in the difficult days ahead”.
Submitted with love and the greatest respect that one Human Being can have for another Human Being”
Matthew Lanagan
Little Rock, Arkansas
Prayers to the family. Mr Rex was a great man. Sorry for the great loss.
My wife and I were both very sick and couldn't attend his service.
Kim cut his hair for years and always enjoyed his visits.