Donald R Bassett Jr.

Donald R. “Don” Bassett Jr., 71, passed into eternal life on September 18, 2025. He was born on February 20, 1954, in Des Moines, Iowa, and remained a lifelong resident of the Hawkeye State.

Don was a proud graduate of Hoover High School (Class of ’72), Grandview Junior College (’74), and Arizona State University (’76). After college, he worked as an underwriter for IMT Insurance, spent time with Jolesch Photography, and later found his long-term career with Dupont Pioneer in Johnston, where he served in security until his retirement in 2015.

Friends and family were at the center of Don’s life. He deeply valued his fifty-plus year bond with the fellow “Beaver Creek Surf Club” members and, more recently, the community he found at Lutheran Church of HOPE – Waukee, where he was active in several fellowship groups.

He was never in a rush, always willing to listen more than he spoke – almost always called you on your birthday. He had a soft spot for animals, and cherished a dog named Kobe – that love was tested more than once when that dog nearly took his hand off. Don’s collection of vintage TV Guides was unparalleled, and he delighted in classic shows like Leave It to Beaver and The Andy Griffith Show, which reflected the simple values and life lessons he admired. In recent years, he especially enjoyed gathering with a small group to watch and discuss episodes of The Chosen, a series about the life and ministry of Jesus. His faith and these friendships brought him great comfort. He developed a personal relationship with Christ.

Don was a true sports enthusiast, always following many teams, but especially loyal to University of Iowa football and the Chicago Cubs (met Harry Cary one day at the Astrodome). He will be dearly missed by his NFL Fantasy Football group.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Don Sr. and Louise Bassett; his sister, Diane; and his beloved stepmother, Clara Mae Dean, who was married to his father for 12 years. He is survived by his brother, Jerry Sagehorn (Nell) of The Woodlands, TX; his sister, Patty Newcomb (Dave) of Geneva, IL; nephews Austin and Dylan Newcomb, Jack and Walter Sagehorn; and niece Morgan Newcomb.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of HOPE – Waukee, 305 NE Dartmoor Drive, Waukee, IA 50263.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Don’s honor to Lutheran Church of HOPE Waukee, the American Heart Association, or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.