He was born in Quitman, TX. on November 22, 1932 to John Luel Bassett and Nell Vise Bassett. He was raised in Henderson, TX. He graduated from Henderson High School and Kilgore College. He married Betty Jo Reardon on October 1, 1953 at Turnertown Baptist Church in Turnertown TX. They were married 64 years at the time of his death.
John joined the Air Force and reported to Lackland A.F. base in San Antonio, TX. on October 7, 1953 where he went through Basic Training. On December 30, 1953 John & Jo left for Lowery A.F. base, Denver, CO. He was trained in Armnt. & Elect. Maint. In September 1954 he was sent to the 55th A&E-S.A.C at Forbes A. F. base in Topeka, KS. during the Korean/Cold War era. While station there he was sent to Ben Guerir Air Base, in North Africa for 3 months. This was his only overseas tour. From this, his love of B-47’s grew. He was honorably discharged, September 20, 1957. He was also a life member of the B-47 Stratojet Association.
John, Jo and their 2 ½ year old son, John went back to Henderson, TX. In January 1958 they moved to Odessa, TX, where John went to work for I.B.M. He serviced first typewriters and then computers throughout the Permian Basin. They had 2 more sons in Odessa, Richard (1958) & Randall (1960). John retired from I.B.M. in April 1987. After that he was able to enjoy working on and restoring his Classic Cars, keeping his yard spotless and playing with his dogs, Miss Mollie, Miss Hannah & Miss Lizzi.
John was preceded in death by his mother and father, his oldest son, John C. Bassett (60), his daughter- In Law Mary Bassett (57), his brothers, Doyle Bassett and W.C Bassett.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Bassett of Odessa, TX. his sons, Richard D. Bassett of Webster, TX., Randall D. Bassett & wife Starla of Longview, TX. an aunt, Jo Crocker of Avon Park, Fl., Niece, Lynn Belcher, nephews Mark, James, Damon & Darin Bassett all of Henderson, TX. His grandchildren, Don Ferrell Bassett of Goshen, IN., Daniel Craig Bassett & wife Emma of Webster, TX, Adam Kyle Bassett of Houston, TX., Morgan(Bassett) Elliott & husband Jeremey of Harleton, TX. and Randi Bassett of Longview, TX. Great granddaughters, Sierra Bassett, Kenley Elliot and Emilia Bassett. Step grandchildren, Kenneth Moore, Nickolas Hendren, Elizabeth Sparks and Bethany Dollins and their families. He is also survived by his Sisters-In-Law Fonda & Karen of Henderson, TX.
John will be laid to rest, with a graveside service, at Crims Chapel Cemetery in Henderson, TX. on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any Veteran’s Charity or a charity of your choice.
John’s family would like to thank the nurses & staff of Focused Care of Crane, TX. for the loving care & attention they gave John. We also want to send our deepest appreciation to Don & Bonnie Gray, of Midland, TX. for their love, visits and calls during John’s illness.
Online condolences may be offered at www.frankwwilson.com.
