L. Gene Bassett, 81, of Evansville, passed away Friday, January 29, 2010, at his home. He was born on November 9, 1928, in Evansville.

Gene graduated from Bosse High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Eustis, Va. He worked at International Harvester, National City Bank, and Old National Bank. He was a member of the Hadi Shrine and the Masonic Lodge.

Anyone who knew Gene knew he was especially proud of his grandchildren who he loved very much. He often wore one of his many West Point caps. He liked to tease Emily about her "outranking" her grandpa in the Army. He was proud of Erin at Western Kentucky University and always asked her if she had met a rich farmer yet, which always tickled her. He enjoyed going to their property in Kentucky, Notre Dame football games and his pets, Meg, Jackie, and Tom 1 and 2.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nellie Dell Bassett, who died May 25, 1929 at the age of 18; His grandparents, who adopted and raised him, John (January 11, 1963, age 76) and Mona Bassett (September 7, 1953, age 65); brothers, George (G.W.) (March 29, 1999, age 86), John C. (April 20, 2002, age 79) [Bosse 1941?], Charles and Henry L. “Curly” Bassett (September 11, 1983, age 57) [Bosse Class of 1943]; and a sister, Margaret F. Murphy (December 3, 1982, age 76).

Gene is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Gladys (Jean O'Nan) Bassett; daughter, Mindy Miller and her husband, Joe; son, James; two granddaughters, Emily Miller of Ft. Lewis, Wash., and Erin Miller of Evansville.

Services 10 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2010, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Rev. Mitch Gieselman, with burial in Park Lawn Cemetery. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vanderburgh Humane Society, 400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN 47710 or Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 5130 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47715. Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.

January 31, 2010
I knew Gene at Bosse (I was a couple of years behind him) and had the opportunity to work with him when he was with Old National. I was always proud to count him among my friends. He was a strong and honest person in all of my dealings with him, always. My condolences to his family on their loss.
Paul Arnold, Bloomington, Indiana