Charles Basse

Chuck, as he was known, graduated from Rogers High School in 1959. He married Jane Basse (Wilson), whom he shared a loving marriage with for 56 years. Together, they raised two children, Jim Basse and Nancy Garratt. He was also blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The self-proclaimed “luckiest man in the world” grew up traveling across the country and even lived in Austria shortly after World War II. This, he claimed, gave him an education you could not get anywhere else. He loved to explore and experience the world, especially with his late wife Jane. A natural storyteller and curious traveler, he found joy in experiencing cultures and people from all over.

He was a proud member of the Choctaw Tribe and felt a deep connection with his heritage. In his own words:

“The blood that flows through my heart is shared from an old and honorable people that have lived with the earth for more seasons than stars in the sky. My heart tells me this—I am Chahta.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Otto Basse and Susie Ada Washburn; his sisters, Kathy June Basse and Edra Sue Basse; his beloved wife, Jane Basse (Wilson); and his daughter, Nancy Garratt (Basse).

He is survived by his son, James Basse; his son-in-law, Ron Garratt; and his grandchildren, Justin Basse, Jake Basse and wife Kim, Jamie Basse, Bethany Basse, Matthew Basse, Sarah Day (Garratt) and husband Silas, and Emily Donnell (Garratt) and husband Alexander.

We were lucky to know you and will remember your words as we experience your loss:

“Our shared spirit does not diminish or lessen with the end of our days upon this earth, we only move beyond, becoming another chapter in our shared legacy.”

His ashes will rest in Apache, OK with his grandmother Amanda Washburn (Benton).

A memorial will be held on March 5, 2026, between 3 and 5 p.m. at Rollins Funeral Home, 1401 Hudson Rd., Rogers, AR 72756. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Chuck’s name.