Gary Wayne Bassett, 85, of Bellmont, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Edwards County, Illinois, on December 23, 1935, the son of Stanley and Mildred (Gehret) Bassett. He married Joanne Woods on May 26, 1956, and together they enjoyed sixty-three years of marriage until her death, February 23, 2020.
Gary was a member of the 1953 Graduating Class of Mount Carmel High School. He faithfully served his country as a para trooper in the United States Army, which was something he was very proud of. Gary retired from Snap-On Tools after forty-two years of employment. In his retirement years, he took up the hobby of woodworking and greatly enjoyed that. He also enjoyed watching old western movies. Gary was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was very supportive of his children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors, and their biggest fan at the various sporting events. Gary was a kind man and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Gary leaves behind his son, David Bassett, and wife Cheryl of Mount Carmel; daughters, Loretta Conn and husband Robert of Mount Carmel, Terri Smith, and husband Bill of Cadiz Kentucky; grandchildren, Amy (Frank Schrader) Baumgartner, Ronda (Kyle) Rigg, Derek Smith, Erik (Emalie) Bassett, Cassie (Dallas) Cook; great-grandchildren, Jayden Rigg, Skylar Rigg, Violet Hadra, Jaxon Schrader.
In addition to his wife Joanne, Gary was preceded in death by his parents; one infant sister; great-granddaughter, Maggie Rose Hadra.
In keeping with Gary’s wishes, a Private Family Service will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Gary’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Bassett family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.
