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- Ann Arbor News, Michigan, Wednesday, 12 January 2005
Melvin Leon Bass
Bass, Melvin Leon Ypsilanti, MI Melvin Leon Bass died January 8, 2005 in Ypsilanti, MI. The life of Melvin Bass had accomplished many deeds with his industrious hands and benevolent heart. He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on November 20, 1924, the eighth child of Moses and Gertrude (Walls) Bass. He attended Ypsilanti High School and served his country by entering the United States Army during World War II. On June 29, 1946, he married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Foley and God blessed this union with seven children. Aside from being a loving father and husband, Melvin, with the training and help from his father, formed a construction company that enabled him to personally renovate the house that he and his several siblings were born. He was considered a Master in the Building Trade. The skills that he obtained from the Chicago Technical Institute, assisted in his receiving a job, as the first African American Chief Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Director for the City of Ypsilanti. He retired on March 30, 1990, but continued to work part-time. He facilitated the construction of five churches including the current Messias Temple. His master work could also be seen in upscale National Architectural/ Home publications. He received a 50 year service award from the Bricklayers Union. Four of his son's have followed him into the building trade. He was baptized in Jesus name in 1965 at Messias Temple Church on Monroe Street (a church that his father built). He was a devote man of God, minister of the Word and a dynamic Sunday School teacher, trustee, and deacon at Messias Temple. He was very compassionate, and demonstrated the fruit of the Holy Spirit within him. His compassion was so empowering that it had a contagious effect of warming the hearts of those around him .....even those infectious tears that flowed many times during church service or conversations. He leaves to carry on his legacy his wife, Dorothy (Foley); seven children, Cheryl (William) Lee of Kentwood, MI; Lowell Bass of Houston, TX; Melvin B. (Bette) Bass of Union City, GA; Stephan (Rhonda) Bass of Jonesboro, GA; Danielle Bass of Ypsilanti, MI; Derek (Arlene) Bass of Farmington Hills, MI and Bruce Bass of Ypsilanti, MI; twenty two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and a Godson, Henry Frost III. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Moses Egbert, Samuel Ronald and Russell, and six sisters; Mildred Margaret, Dorothy Mae, Myrtle Frances, Cleo Gertrude, Eva Adelaide, and Jeanette Lorraine; one niece, Mildred Laverne and one surviving brother, John (Marie) Bass, Sr. He was the Master Builder that built buildings, but most importantly God equipped him with all the tools necessary to lay a spiritual foundation for his family, those seeking the Lord and the truths encased in God's Word. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 13th from 3pm to 8pm at C&H Community Home for Funerals, Lucille's Memorial Chapel, 411 S. Adams Street, Ypsilanti and Friday, January 14th from 6pm to 8pm at the Messias Temple Church, 200 Harriet Street, Ypsilanti. The funeral service will be Saturday, January 15th at 10:00 am at Messias Temple Church with Dist. Elder Harry Grayson officiating. Burial will follow in United Memorial Gardens, Plymouth.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1924 - 2005 (80 years)