Clarence Lamar Bass

Chief Clarence Lamar Bass of Kissimmee, Florida, lost his battle with cancer on August 18, 2022 at the age of 78. He was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, on October 11, 1943 to parents Clarence E. and Evelyn Bass.

After graduating from Colonial High School in 1961, Chief Bass joined the United States Army in 1962 where he served honorably as a Radio Operator in Germany for three years. He held great pride in the military and his service to his country. Upon his discharge, Chief Bass worked in the hardwood flooring business for his parents, who owned Bass Floor Surfacing Co. Having a passion to continue his service to his country and his community, Chief Bass joined the Orlando Police Department (OPD) in 1968 and retired in 1989. In his 21 years at OPD, Chief Bass worked in Patrol, K9, Vice, Undercover Drugs, the Motorcycle Unit, and Traffic Homicide. Twice in his OPD career Chief Bass was awarded the Officer of the Year, with one of his awards being given for his heroic actions during a 25-day period in 1979 for rescuing a hostage who was being held at gunpoint and for shooting and apprehending an armed robbery suspect. His service to the community was further recognized by the Freemasons, where he was officially inducted as a member in 1983.

It was during his service as a Traffic Homicide Investigator where he met the love of his life, Lydia, who was his partner in the same unit. Their first date included dinner and an emergency response to the scene of a serious traffic accident. Three months later the two were married and spent the next 34 years together. Their marriage beautifully blended two families.

In 1993 Clarence became the Chief of the Edgewood Police Department serving until 2006. Chief Bass laid the framework for the future of modern-day policing within Edgewood. His vision and leadership directly contributed to the successful workings of the current police department. He was a member of the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) since 1994 and has been a lifetime member since 2014.

While law enforcement was Chief Bass’ passion, his heart belonged to his beloved family. He is survived by his wife, Lydia, and their children, Julie Mahler (David), Kevin Bass (Isabel), Heather Zerafa (Mark), Jaclyn Ambriz (Andres), and Ashley Powell (Mike), his eleven grandchildren (Caitlan, Corey, Kalie, Kyle, Kasey, Bryce, Nicho, Adam, Nate, Mason, and Brody), his five great-grandchildren (Korbin, Ainsley, Adelaide James (AJ), Arabella, and Eleanor), his sister Glenda Wolf (Dan), his three nephews, five great-nephews and three great-nieces, and his uncle Ralph Singleton (Doris) and his family.

A visitation for Chief Bass will be held Friday, August 26, 2022 from 11am - 1pm at First Baptist Church of Pine Castle, 1001 Hoffner Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809. A funeral service will be held at 1pm, followed by a reception held at the FOP, Lodge 25. Chief Bass’ favorite, Mission BBQ, will be served.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Florida Police Chiefs Association in honor of Chief Bass’ name at Make Your Tax Deductible Donation – Florida Police Chiefs Association (fpca.com). Donations will help provide scholarships for police explorers, and go toward the education of citizens about public safety.