Monroe Bass

James Monroe Bass, of Lake Limestone/Groesbeck, went home to be with the Lord and his wife, on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at Windsor Healthcare Residence. He was 88. Although there will not be a family visitation time at the funeral home, everyone who wishes to view and pay their respects are welcome all day Monday. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Johnny Layton officiating. Burial will follow in the Point Enterprise Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bobby Locke, Corey Bass, Brian Brooke, Roger Brooke, Bradley Bass, Jody Bass, Jarbey Vaughan, and Pete Vollers. Monroe was born September 29, 1924 in the Farrar community to James C. and Birdie (Walton) Bass. He grew up in various Limestone County communities, and he and his brother and sisters grew up helping the family make a living in the cotton fields. Monroe was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Waage on June 29, 1945 at Mexia, and they made their home in Groesbeck for many years where he worked for the highway department. He retired in March 1987 after thirty years with the Texas Department of Highways and Transportation. Monroe was a hard-working man, who was always doing some other work in addition to his regular job, to make a living for his family. After his retirement, he still worked hard but put his limitless energy into his family and a home to share with family and friends. Monroe and Mary moved to their home at Lake Limestone in 1997. He loved mowing his yard, and even wanted to mow the neighbors. The couple loved watching and feeding all the birds, especially the hummingbirds, and he took special care of their needs in the winter, breaking ice in the water for them. Monroe enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved the Lord and he loved his family so much. He was sensitive and had a very positive attitude, looking for the best in every situation and looking for the good in everyone. He never met a stranger, and was loved by all who knew him. And if he saw you, he loved to share his Juicy Fruit gum with you, even when he was in the hospital and nursing home. With his generous nature and great sense of humor, he was a joy and blessing to all. Everyone who knew Monroe and Mary knew theirs was a true living love story; you never saw one without the other. During her illness toward the end of her life, he took excellent care of her. Monroe was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Mary Elizabeth in 2008; and his brother, Lloyd Bass, and sisters, June Bass and Eunice Berry. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Jim M. and Rhonda Bass of Lake Limestone; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Kristi Bass of China Spring; daughter and son-in-law, Vonda and Roger Brooke of Teague; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Pete Vollers of San Leon; ten grandchildren: Jody Bass, Corey Bass, Brian Brooke, Shauna Vaughan, Stefany Summers, Bobby Locke, Heather Kelly, Haley Bass, Macey Bass, and Bradley Bass; and fourteen great grandchildren: Gavin M. Bass, Sidney Reagan Bass, Logan T. Bass, Colby K. Brooke, Hunter Brooke, Rob Locke, John Locke, Kayla Locke, Richie Wilson, Payton Summers, Alexys Summers, Dylan Vaughan, Alec Vaughan, and Cody Bass. She also leaves behind a nephew, Marvin Berry and wife Patsy of Atlanta, TX, and nieces, Evelyn Svetlik of Houston and Pat Posey of Katy.