Obituary for Larry Reid Bassel
Larry Reid Bassel. 73, Â of Altus, Oklahoma transitioned to his eternal life on February 3, 2022, at the Mangum Regional Medical Center.
Larry was born on July 12, 1948, in Altus, Oklahoma to his parents, Otis Bassel and Violet McKibben Bassel. He grew up in Duke, Oklahoma, and started working at the early age of 15 hauling cotton and cottonseed until the law caught him and he had to hire someone with a driver's license until he could do it. Larry was a member of Duke High School's graduating class of 1966. Larry served in the Air Force Reserves and then completed his coursework at Oklahoma State University. He graduated with his degree in 1972.
Although Larry spent the majority of his life in the Duke area, he had a passion for traveling. He visited New Orleans, Mexico, Alaska, and Florida to name a few of his favorite places. On Valentine's Day of 1985, Larry and JoAnn Thompson combined their families in Duke. Their devoted union spanned 36 years.
During his career, Larry worked for Pioneer Agriculture and Poole Chemical Company. He also served as the mayor of Duke, was a member of the Duke school board, and was an active volunteer fireman. He went into business for himself and he and Joe Renfro owned Texoma Farm Supply in Hollis. In 2005 he started farming and ranching full-time. He raised cattle, grew wheat, and was known as the "soybean king" for his uncanny ability to successfully produce high yields in unfavorable conditions. Â
On a deeper level, Larry was definitely a "Sheep in Wolf's clothing!" He was built tough, but inside, he was a very tender-hearted and gentle spirit. Larry was 'Mr. Mom" way before it became popular and he firmly believed in planning for tomorrow. He liked cooking, fishing, and building things when he had free time. His kindness, expertise, and friendship will be missed by many who knew him.
He was received into his eternal home by his parents, Otis and Violet Bassel; his brother, Rodney Bassel; his son, Tobin Bassel and bonus parents Clarence and Marlene Orr.
Left to honor Larry's memory are his wife of 36 years, Joann Bassel; his three sons: Jason Birdwell, Theodore Birdwell and wife, Danica; and Tanner Bassel and Cierra; one sister: Lisa Renfro and husband Joe; two grandchildren: Clayton and Caleb Birdwell; other relatives, Jean and Danny Pence, Nancy Dillahunty and many beloved nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
A memorial visitation will be 5:00 p.m. - to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 11, 2022, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel Altus, Oklahoma.
Cremation arrangements and services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
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Larry was born on July 12, 1948, in Altus, Oklahoma to his parents, Otis Bassel and Violet McKibben Bassel. He grew up in Duke, Oklahoma, and started working at the early age of 15 hauling cotton and cottonseed until the law caught him and he had to hire someone with a driver's license until he could do it. Larry was a member of Duke High School's graduating class of 1966. Larry served in the Air Force Reserves and then completed his coursework at Oklahoma State University. He graduated with his degree in 1972.
Although Larry spent the majority of his life in the Duke area, he had a passion for traveling. He visited New Orleans, Mexico, Alaska, and Florida to name a few of his favorite places. On Valentine's Day of 1985, Larry and JoAnn Thompson combined their families in Duke. Their devoted union spanned 36 years.
During his career, Larry worked for Pioneer Agriculture and Poole Chemical Company. He also served as the mayor of Duke, was a member of the Duke school board, and was an active volunteer fireman. He went into business for himself and he and Joe Renfro owned Texoma Farm Supply in Hollis. In 2005 he started farming and ranching full-time. He raised cattle, grew wheat, and was known as the "soybean king" for his uncanny ability to successfully produce high yields in unfavorable conditions. Â
On a deeper level, Larry was definitely a "Sheep in Wolf's clothing!" He was built tough, but inside, he was a very tender-hearted and gentle spirit. Larry was 'Mr. Mom" way before it became popular and he firmly believed in planning for tomorrow. He liked cooking, fishing, and building things when he had free time. His kindness, expertise, and friendship will be missed by many who knew him.
He was received into his eternal home by his parents, Otis and Violet Bassel; his brother, Rodney Bassel; his son, Tobin Bassel and bonus parents Clarence and Marlene Orr.
Left to honor Larry's memory are his wife of 36 years, Joann Bassel; his three sons: Jason Birdwell, Theodore Birdwell and wife, Danica; and Tanner Bassel and Cierra; one sister: Lisa Renfro and husband Joe; two grandchildren: Clayton and Caleb Birdwell; other relatives, Jean and Danny Pence, Nancy Dillahunty and many beloved nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
A memorial visitation will be 5:00 p.m. - to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 11, 2022, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel Altus, Oklahoma.
Cremation arrangements and services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Larry Reid Bassel, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
10
Feb
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Memorial
Friday
11
Feb
10:00 AM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
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