Harley Bentley Bass died at home September 5, 2015. Harley was born October 9, 1925 in Orange, Texas to Etta Barclay Bass and Robert Frank Bass. A graduate of Orange High School, he attended Lamar University before joining the United States Merchant Marines where he served honorably during WWII.
He was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Orange, serving as a deacon and as an elder. He also devoted much time and effort to Lions Club of Orange. He especially loved working at the Lions Charity Carnival. Harley retired after forty years from Du Pont, Sabine River Works.
Harley married the love of his life, Betty Jean Worthey. They were married sixty-seven years, during which they raised their two daughters, welcomed grandchildren and great grandsons, traveled extensively and enjoyed a well-earned retirement. During the last years of his life, Betty devotedly and selflessly took care of him.
Harley is survived by his loving wife Betty, daughter Suzanne Bass Van Horn of Houston, daughter Cindy Bass Cabe and her husband Tom of Dallas, grandson Patrick Van Horn and his wife Shannon of Austin, grandson Matthew Van Horn of Austin, granddaughter Chris Van Horn-McCarthy and her husband Scott of Houston, great grandsons Harley Van Horn, Tristan Van Horn and Derek McCarthy, brother-in-law Tom Worthey of Silsbee and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister Jewis Peterson, his brother Robert Forrest Bass and nephews Kenneth D. Bass and Sam Bass.
The family wishes to thank his care givers Monica Fairley, Alice Boston, Bonnie Finney, Yvette Cotton, Molly Stringer, Joann Stevens, and the staff of River City hospice, all of who made it possible for him to live out his life at home.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church of Orange. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Mike Umbenhaur officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Orange, River City Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.