Mark Steven Bass

Mark Steven Bass, of Groesbeck, Texas was welcomed with love as the baby of the family on March 11, 1955. He left this earth on August 3, 2022, to be welcomed into Heaven by his Lord. He is joined there by his wife, Karolyn Anne Bass, his parents, Fletcher L. Bass, Sr. and Edna E. McMillan Bass, and his sisters, Patricia York and Donna Bass Wells, as well as the many friends Mark made during his lifetime. Born in Dallas, Texas, Mark grew up in the area and graduated from Mesquite High School in 1973. After graduation, he chose to enlist in the Army, where he served his country with pride and distinction until his honorable discharge in 1981. While in the Army, Mark had assignments in both the United States and Germany, where he was stationed, and he received a National Defense Service medal. After the military, he began a long and dedicated career as a Corrections Officer in the Texas Penitentiary System. He worked for many years at the prison units in Palestine and later in Teague where he retired. Mark was a gifted storyteller, and he was very happy to tell you the countless tales of the people he met and the interesting things he experienced while serving his country and his time spent as a Corrections Officer. Because of his careers in the military and the corrections system, it could have been easy to assume that Mark was rough and businesslike, but he was quite the opposite! A loving man with a heart that was even bigger than his physical presence, Mark was just a big teddy bear. He loved visiting with family on the phone and always ended each call with “I love you,” so that everyone in his life knew that he was thinking of them and wanting the best for each of them. Mark married the love of his life, Karolyn Anne Bass. The joy that Karolyn brought to Mark’s life was immeasurable and the family takes comfort that they are reunited once again. Those left to cherish his memory are his step children, Johnny Lowther and wife Lori of Groesbeck; Jeri Penny and husband Michael of Groesbeck; Jeffrey Melasky and wife Annie of Groesbeck; and Angelia Evans and husband Jeff of San Marcos; 7 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; brother, Fletcher L. Bass, Jr of Wills Point; sister, Anita Bass Wilkerson and her husband, Robert Wilkerson of Pensacola, Florida; several nieces and nephews as well as many other great-nieces and nephews; extended family and dear friends. Mark will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony beside his beloved wife, Karolyn, at a future date.