Franklin D. Bass, age 91, of Yakima, WA, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Cottage in the Meadow. He was born on May 19, 1933, to John and Evelyn (Evans) Bass. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Rockville, Missouri, along with his little sister Jay Ann, until their family relocated to the Lower Yakima Valley where he attended Zillah Schools.
Frank was drafted into the US Army and served in France from September 1954 to September 1956. On April 2, 1954, he married Donna Bailey. They were blessed with two sons, Frank and Dean, and shared 70 years of marriage together.
Frank was an avid Klickitat River fisherman and enjoyed several trips fishing in Alaska. He loved the fall bow hunt in the Klickitat area and had a group of longtime hunting buddies he camped with. They liked to gather each night in their tee pee to tell stories of the day’s hunt while lounging on their bean bag chairs, which they discovered the mice liked too!
Frank was a longtime member of Terrace Heights Presbyterian Church and served on the Church Board for many years. He spent 28 years as a Terrace Heights Volunteer Fireman and felt honored he could serve the community in that way. During 16 years of his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering with the Sheriff’s Department Block Watch Program.
Survivors include his wife Donna, son Frank (Tammy) of Selah, son Dean (Jan) of Yakima, five grandchildren: Mary Bass, Stephanie Simpson, Isaac Bass, Nate Bass, Rachel Bale, and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by brother-in-law Tom Bailey, nephews Steve Rinehold, Jason Kunze, Adam, T.J., and Matt Bailey, nieces Cathy Paulus, Kristina Mann, Jessica Bailey, Jill King, Courtney Bailey, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jay Ann Rinehold, nephew Rick Rinehold, sister-in-law Sue Bailey, and brother-in-law Jim Bailey.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Keith & Keith 9th Ave. Chapel in Yakima, on Saturday, August 17th at 11:00 am with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cottage in the Meadow, Terrace Heights Fire Department, or charity of your choice.
