Joe Lee Bass

Joe Lee Bass Sr was born in Indianapolis In, December 16, 1926, the 7th child of Claude L. Bass and Nancy Ransaw Bass both whom preceded him in death. Joe matriculated through the Indianapolis school system ultimately graduating from the infamous Crispus Attucks High School. Joe like many young men during that era, joined the US Army and served and was discharged honorably. Joe was a versatile and strong willed person with a strong work ethic. He was in the employment of Church Brothers Collision Repair almost from their inception. At Church Brothers everyone knew and loved Joe. He certainly loved Church Bros as well. It was nothing for him to have his son or some of his nephews working alongside him there. The owners loved Joe not just as an employee but as family. Church Bros and Joe Bass were synonymous. His love of trucks was probably a strong drawing card to Church Bros. He always had a truck and would tell his son and nephews, â€?"if you have a truck you can always make some money and never be broke.” While working at Church Bros he had an opportunity to become employed with Western Electric until retiring from there. Although he worked at Western Electric he continued his employment with Church Bros. until his health began to fail. Joe was raised in the church and at an early age was a member of Irvington First Baptist Church with his parents and siblings. Later in his adulthood he left Irvington and was a member of Pathway Baptist Church for a short time. However, his roots at Irvington were strong and he ultimately returned to Irvington. He served tirelessly for many years in various capacities; wherever the Lord could use him, nothing was too menial. Joe was a part of the Male Chorus and loved to sing. He stood proud and boldly singing with the men. His most favorite â€" â€?"The Old Ship of Zion". He served as the church janitor for years, utilizing his own resources at times to assure everything was meticulously done and ready for services. He served as a Trustee, Deacon and Treasurer. Regardless of the task he always completed them to the best of his ability. He was a long time member of Prince Hall Masons and in his more youthful days was active. Joe had an infectious smile, he loved life and lived it to the fullest his way. His personality was a drawing card for many friendships. Not only friendships but his nieces and nephews as well. He often was found mentoring young men in his family and in the church, instilling 1) love the Lord and 2) work hard and do everything to the best of your ability. Joe was active in church, in the community and life in general until failing health and ultimately was placed in senior health facilities, with Golden Living Center his most recent residency. Although his health was failing he always spoke of the goodness of God and how good God had been to him. â€?"If I can just hold on everything will be alright.” His conversations at some point interjected Church Bros as well as his desire to get him a new truck when he got out of the prison (Golden Living Center). In his mind the Center was a prison to his â€?"free spirit”. He loved being outdoors and when he wasn’t working he loved being outdoors enjoying God’s â€?"fresh air”. Joe is survived by: son â€" Joe L. Bass Jr., daughters â€" Deborah A. Bass, JoAnn McClennon; grandchildren â€" LaShawnda Hinton, Anthony McClennon, Brittani McClennon; great grandchildren â€" JaShaun Whitfield, Cincere Whitfield, Tre’Len Whitfield, ChNiyah Whitfield, Jaeden Whitfield, A’yanni McClennon, Alijah Matthews; brother â€" Rev. Robert D. Bass; the ultimate friend and love of his life Helen J. Bass; a host of nieces and nephews and friends.