Tom Bass

Tom Bass, age 87, of Winterset, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on September 26, 2025, after an extended illness, with his beloved family by his side.

Tom was born on August 23, 1938, in a country home located in Douglas Township, to Francis DeWitt and Mary Marjorie (Clopton) Bass. He grew up in the Madison County area, attending several different schools before graduating from Winterset Community School in 1956. While in school, he worked for his step-father at the Conoco Gas Station. A hard worker, Tom dedicated 64 years of his life to farming, proudly working as a self-employed farmer until illness prevented him from continuing to work in 2020. His work was not just a livelihood—it was a calling and a way of life that defined him.

On August 22, 1959, Tom married the love of his life, Carol Ann Wildin, in Winterset. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and deep devotion to family. Their marriage of over 66 years was a beautiful partnership, filled with laughter, adventure, and shared values.

Tom was an active member of the Winterset and Madison County communities. He proudly served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Madison County Pork Producers, Winterset Lions Club, Farmers Electric Co-Op Board, CIPCO Board, and the Winterset Alumni Association. His leadership and commitment to local causes made a lasting impact on his community.

Tom lived a life full of rich experiences and simple joys. He coached Little League baseball, loved to travel, and spent countless cherished moments camping, hunting with his boys, fishing in Canada, boating, and snowmobiling. He especially loved sitting around a campfire, roasting hotdogs with his family by his side.

Family was at the heart of everything Tom did. He delighted in spending time with his children and grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy into his life. One of his favorite traditions was taking each grandchild on their own special trip for their 10th birthday—each journey thoughtfully planned and uniquely tailored to that child. He, Carol, and the boys also enjoyed raising and showing horses over the years.

Tom had a great sense of humor and a zest for life. He raised hogs, cattle, and row crops—always having adventures on the farm—and was never one to turn down a round of golf. He and Carol shared many laughs while canoeing, creating memories that became treasured family stories.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his children: Greg (Vickie) Bass, Chris (Shelley) Bass, and Jeff Bass; his grandchildren: Chad (Allison) Bass, Tyler (Emily) Bass, McKenzee (Ben) Downing, Ericka (Dalton) Harms, Kyle (Brooke) Bass, Kaitlin (Trevor) Irwin, and Sam Bass; and his great-grandchildren: Zach, Tatum, Celia, and Blakely Bass; Tristan and Huck Bass; Landon, Adalyn, Maleah, and Wesley Downing; Parker Harms; and Brynlee, Tommy, and Wyatt Bass.

He is also survived by his siblings: Bob and Dick Bass; Dennie (Vicki) Jackson; Jimmy (Linda) Jackson; Connie (Dick) Weidman; Judy (Dale) Finnegan; Kathie Wass; and Pam (Mike) Dick, as well as his sister-in-law Aleyda Jackson; as well as many more nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Marjorie Bass; his brother, Mike Jackson; brother-in-law Ron Wass; and sister-in-law Fonda Bass.

Please join the family for a visitation on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-Winterset Chapel. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at Winterset Community Church at 10:30 am, with burial to follow at the Winterset Cemetery, where friends and family will gather to remember a man whose life was a blessing to all who knew him. A luncheon will take place at Winterset Community Church following the burial.

Memorial contributions may be made to Everystep Hospice, Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society, reflecting Tom’s memory he left with all of us

Tom Bass will be remembered for his enduring love, his laugh around a campfire, his work-worn hands, and his heart full of joy. His legacy will live on in the family he cherished and the community he helped build.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com