In Memory Of
James D. Bassett
1937
2024
James D. Bassett
September 2, 1937 — April 17, 2024
James “Denny” Bassett, 86, of Dover, Kansas passed away late in the morning of April 17, 2024 at his home surrounded by family.
He was born on September 2, 1937 to James and Frances (Carlat) Bassett in Topeka, Kansas. Family lore claims he was the first baby from Dover born in a hospital.
Jim married the love of his life, Donna Thies, on May 7, 1961 and then joined Cargill Inc. after graduating from K State and completing boot camp for the Army Reserves. He stayed with Cargill till he retired in 1998.
Jim and Donna retired to Dover and started the Crooked Post Ranch after their career helped them make homes and raise three children in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Herefordshire, England; before finishing his career in Hong Kong.
Jim cared deeply for his hometown roots and helped found the Dover Community Foundation. He also worked to help restore the Acacia Fraternity at K State to good standing and was very proud of its academic success. He was honored for his work on behalf of the 4-H Foundation. And he supported the work of KARL (Kansas Agriculture & Rural Leadership).
James is survived by his Wife: Donna; Children: John Bassett, Susan L. Whipple, Michael & Sara Bassett; Grandchildren: Lilly Bassett, Donna Whipple & Galen Whipple; Siblings: Rich & Kay Bassett, Jan & Tony Valdez; Nephews & Nieces: Doug & Lisa Bassett, Brad & Dana Bassett, Debbie & Shawn Lietz, Missy & Dave Tew, Ginny Boogaard, Bill & Michelle Valdez, Tom Valdez, Gail & Mike Mangan.
Fifteen days before passing, Jim’s son-in-law, Jerry Whipple, died unexpectedly and the loss struck Jim and the whole family keenly. Jim was also preceded in death by his father; James F. Bassett, mother; Frances Bassett.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 26, 2024, from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, 10:00 am at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
Reception to follow service, details will be provided later.
Private family inurnment is planned.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dover Community Foundation, PO Box 14, Dover, KS 66420.
Jim's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.
To share a memory of James or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born on September 2, 1937 to James and Frances (Carlat) Bassett in Topeka, Kansas. Family lore claims he was the first baby from Dover born in a hospital.
Jim married the love of his life, Donna Thies, on May 7, 1961 and then joined Cargill Inc. after graduating from K State and completing boot camp for the Army Reserves. He stayed with Cargill till he retired in 1998.
Jim and Donna retired to Dover and started the Crooked Post Ranch after their career helped them make homes and raise three children in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Herefordshire, England; before finishing his career in Hong Kong.
Jim cared deeply for his hometown roots and helped found the Dover Community Foundation. He also worked to help restore the Acacia Fraternity at K State to good standing and was very proud of its academic success. He was honored for his work on behalf of the 4-H Foundation. And he supported the work of KARL (Kansas Agriculture & Rural Leadership).
James is survived by his Wife: Donna; Children: John Bassett, Susan L. Whipple, Michael & Sara Bassett; Grandchildren: Lilly Bassett, Donna Whipple & Galen Whipple; Siblings: Rich & Kay Bassett, Jan & Tony Valdez; Nephews & Nieces: Doug & Lisa Bassett, Brad & Dana Bassett, Debbie & Shawn Lietz, Missy & Dave Tew, Ginny Boogaard, Bill & Michelle Valdez, Tom Valdez, Gail & Mike Mangan.
Fifteen days before passing, Jim’s son-in-law, Jerry Whipple, died unexpectedly and the loss struck Jim and the whole family keenly. Jim was also preceded in death by his father; James F. Bassett, mother; Frances Bassett.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 26, 2024, from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, 10:00 am at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
Reception to follow service, details will be provided later.
Private family inurnment is planned.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dover Community Foundation, PO Box 14, Dover, KS 66420.
Jim's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.
To share a memory of James or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James D. Bassett, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, April 26, 2024
9:00 - 10:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Memorial Service
Friday, April 26, 2024
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 31
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