Chadrad.com

Funeral services for Donald “Don” Bruce Bass, age 82, will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Old West Trail Rodeo Building in Crawford, NE with Pastor Steve Mallery officiating.

Burial will be at the Crawford Cemetery in Crawford, NE.

A memorial has been established for the Ponderosa Villa Bath House Fund or the Crawford Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com.

Don passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2018 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford, NE. He was born on April 22, 1936 in Crawford, NE to Lloyd and Fern (Young) Bass. Don grew up on a ranch near Squaw Mound and attended grade school there where he rode his horse to school every day. He attended Crawford High School and graduated in 1953. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Fairbanks and Anchorage, AK. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he went home to Crawford where he worked construction and for local ranchers. It was during this time he met Reba Hamaker. They were married on February 5, 1961. They made their home in Crawford where Don went to work for Dawes County District 3 running a road grader for well over 20 years. He then worked at Crow Butte Resources until he retired in 2013. Don had a hard time settling into retirement and went back to work part-time operating a road grader in Sioux County for two summers. Throughout his entire life, Don also farmed and ranched and was always there to help his sons when they needed it.

Don’s pride and joy were his three grandsons, Brayden, Travon and Keagen. He spent countless hours taking them fishing and spending time at the barn with them. Don never missed any of the grandkids’ sporting events or activities. He was always on the sidelines with an encouraging word and ready with a big hug at the end, whether it was a win or a loss.

Don was preceded in death by wife of 52 years Reba; parents Lloyd and Fern; sister-in-law Yvonne; and in-laws Tom and Doris Hamaker.

He is survived by son Brooke (Jody) and grandson Travon; son Damon (Tawnya) and grandsons Brayden and Keagen; brother Dean; sister-in-law Zoleta (Gary) Galey; and nieces and nephews.

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Donald “Don” Bruce Bass.