Norman Preston Bass

Notes:

Norman Preston Bass, 94, passed from this life Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Hemphill Care Center.

He was born October 4, 1925 in Hemphill, Texas to Bertis Bass and Sally Erwin Bass and lived in Sabine County most all of his life where he attended Hemphill schools.

During World War II, Norman was not drafted due to a childhood accident that left his right foot compromised. After three call ups and all of his friends and relatives being drafted, he decided he could serve the war effort by building war ships at Consolidated Shipyard in Orange, Texas. That is where he met his first wife, the love of his life for 58 years, Daphne Johnson. They moved back to Hemphill in 1947 and started N. P. Bass Logging Co. which they operated for 53 years.

During these years he became a member of Littleton Fowler Masonic Lodge #305 and the Order of the Eastern Star Hemphill Chapter #375 where he served as Worthy Patron for 2 years. He was a member of the Texas Logging Council and the Texas Forestry Association.

One year, he decided to leave logging and worked for LeTourneau Industries in Longview. He had logging in his blood and soon returned to what he loved.

He loved to travel and over the years visited almost all 50 states. He also loved raising cattle and helping his grandson with the hay crop. His family was the center of his world and he loved family parties and get togethers, especially with the grands and great grands.

He is survived by his loving second wife of 12 years, Billie Sue Chambers Bass; daughter, Vickey Procella; grandson, Eric Procella and wife, Lana; granddaughter, Andrea Procella Heslip and husband, Eric; and great grandchildren, Bret and Carlee Procella and Wyatt and Evie Heslip.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Daphne; sisters, Thelma Henderson and Margaret Bass; and son-in-law, Joe Procella.

Graveside services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2020 in Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Floyd Wright officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are Eric Procella, Eric Heslip, Don Eddings, Bret Procella and Wyatt Heslip.

Norman married Daphne Exa Johnson about 1945. Daphne (daughter of Elbert F. Johnson, Sr. and Julia Oates) was born on 22 Aug 1925 in Center, Shelby County, Texas; died on 31 May 2002 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried on 2 Jun 2002 in Spring Hill Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]