George Robert Bassett

George Bassett of Tyler, Texas passed away in his home on March 1, 2023, from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease.   He was born in Wamego, Kansas on May 16, 1939, and spent his early childhood years on a farm ten miles away.  He later moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where he graduated from high school in 1957.  

He is survived by his school sweetheart and wife of nearly 62 years, Sandra Jacobson Bassett; son Randy and his wife Michele of Austin, Texas; son Rick and his loving girlfriend Summer Sharbutt of Lubbock, Texas; and son Rob and his loving girlfriend Jennifer Harper of Longview, Texas.   George (Grampy) was also blessed with five adoring grandchildren, Shelby, Ryan, Drew, Peyton, and Reed; Summer’s loving sons Swade and Sailor, who went home to Heaven on January 13, 2023 - he and George had a special bond and we know they are rejoicing together today, and Jennifer’s loving children Colby and Hannah.  George’s other close family members include nephew Kevin Herrmann and his wife Julie of Boise, Idaho, and their three children, David, Kayla, and Nicole.    

George and family moved to Tyler in 1968 for his employment with Howe-Baker Engineering Company, where he enjoyed a successful career of 27 years, while also engaging in various entrepreneurial ventures including a lake marina, storage buildings, rental properties, and keeping the books for his wife’s business, The Bath Shoppe and Chef’s Pantry.  He was very proud to put his three boys through college and even considered himself an Aggie after they all graduated from Texas A&M.    

In retirement, George loved traveling with his wife and other family members as much as possible.   His favorite spots were Cabo San Lucas and Colorado, where he and Sandra traveled to every year for nearly 30 years.   George also loved playing golf with his sons and spending time with his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.   He cherished the many friendships he and Sandra made throughout the years.  Most of all, he loved his wife deeply and everything they did together.  Her feelings are the same.   

George is remembered by his family and friends as one of the most genuine, humble, kind, and fun- loving men they have ever known.  He was always the first to help someone in need, fought his Parkinson’s disease like a champion, and never complained about a single thing in life.  His family loves him immensely and will miss him dearly until we reunite in Heaven.  

George was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Lorena Howe Bassett of Wamego, Kansas; sister Thelda and her husband Larry Herrmann of Omaha, Nebraska; and sister Wanda Bassett of Olathe, Kansas; and nephews Todd and Michael Herrmann of Omaha, Nebraska.  

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Burial will follow in Wamego City Cemetery. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 9:00 am.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 (www.give.michaeljfox.org); Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org); Smith County Humane Society, 1823 County Road 386, Tyler, TX 75708 (www.petsfurpeople.org).

Honorary Pall Bearers:  Ryan Bassett   Drew Bassett   Peyton Bassett   Reed Bassett   Sailor Sharbutt   Swade Sharbutt   David Herrmann   Kevin Herrmann   Rick Holley   Mike Estes   Richard Davis