Richard Louis Bass' Obituary
Richard Louis Bass, affectionately known to many as "Dicky", age 81
Richard was born on Friday, January 14, 1944 to 2nd Lt. Louis Franklin Bass and Dorothy Lee
Sumner Bass in Casper, Wyoming. He passed away on Easter Sunday morning, April 20, 2025
at 7:15 am.
Richard's father, Louis Franklin, was a Pilot in the Army Air Forces and trained as a bomber pilot
stationed in England. Louis perished in WWII at the age of 26. After Louis' death, Dorothy and
Richard moved back to Texas. Some time later, Dorothy married Clayton Minor, and they lived in
Dallas, Texas where Richard grew up. He attended Sunset High School where he met his bride
of 62 years, Beverly Ann Payne. The two graduated in May of 1962 and were married in June
of the same year.
He and Beverly welcomed two sons: Randall Louis, born in August of 1963 and Russell Lance
born in October of 1970. They raised their family with a love of Jesus, sports, fishing, and family.
Richard accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a Revival in Dallas at the age of 17.
During the course of raising kids and maintaining a career, Richard never lost his love of faith,
family, and fishing. He was a kind, quiet man that people were drawn to - perhaps due to his
charming good looks and his sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with his sisters, Joyce
Johnson and Andra Mahan, who loved him deeply. They shared a tight, unique bond and they
would laugh and cry and laugh some more. On many occasions they would say, "He was the
BEST big brother anyone could ask for!".
Dicky had many career opportunities, but ultimately landed a position with the City of Dallas
Water Department, where he remained for 28 years until his retirement in 1994. After retiring,
Dicky needed a job that would fund his hobby and life's passion, bass fishing. So, he gained
employment at Bass Pro (for the discounts) and finally finished his working career with Verizon.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Louis Bass, Dorothy & Clayton Minor,
Brother-In-Law, Ronnie Johnson, nephew, Kyle Johnson, and great-grandson, Blake Louis
Wilson.
Richard's legacy lives on through his loving wife of 62 years, Beverly. His two sons, Randy and
his wife, Ginger; Rusty and his wife, April. Grandchildren: Matthew & Brittney Wilson, Dakota &
Rami Ellis, and Brandon & Sarah Bass. Great Grandchildren: Kaylee, Brylee, Hunter, and Lily.
Sister, Joyce Johnson. Sister, Andra Mahan and her husband, Steve. Numerous nieces and
nephews; and many happy fish that won't be caught any time soon.
"Let's go gettum!"
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?