William Bill H Bassett

William “Bill” H. Bassett, 91, of Baton Rouge, LA passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at home with his daughters and cats by his side. He was born Dec. 21, 1922 in St. Louis, MO. He graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri School of Mines & Metallurgy in 1943 and initiated into the Kappa Sigma Fraternity in 1941. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he served in the Army’s Corp of Engineers as Captain from Sept. 1943 until he was honorably discharged in May 1952. In 1952 he transitioned from St. Louis, MO to Baton Rouge, LA to handle administrative duties and to coordinate construction of a pipe manufacturing facility in Baton Rouge for Stupp Corp. Bill went on to serve as Executive Vice President for Stupp Corp for 44 years until his retirement in 1996. In the fall of 1952 he met Bobbie Jean Carpenter in Baton Rouge and married her on Feb. 28, 1953. She preceded him in death after 57 years of marriage. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Howard Samuel and Alice Mees Bassett; brother, Sam Bassett and sister, Annie Short. He is survived by his two daughters, Pamela Jean Bassett of Baton Rouge, LA and Kimberly Ann Bassett of Charlotte, NC. Bill’s passion was his work and later his Persian cats which he took care of and enjoyed in retirement. He had fun finding items for his wife’s business, Jean’s Collectibles, and spent many weekends at the Flea Market booth. He also played cards, enjoyed watching movies and LSU Baseball with family and friends, and fishing with his daughters when they were young. Heartfelt thanks go out to his caregivers, physicians, and Hospice Compassus. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Sunday, May 18, 2014 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm and continuing on Monday, May 19, 2014 from 8:30am until time of service at 10:00am. Burial will take place in Greenoaks Memorial Park. A gathering will immediately follow at Greenoaks Reception Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's honor to the Baton Rouge Cat Haven www.cathaven.org.