It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William Scott Bass, who left us on November 26, 2023, at the Bellevue Health and Rehab Center in Oklahoma City, OK. Born on September 4, 1937, in Oklahoma City to George William Bass and Louise Vickars Scott, William's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to learning, medicine, and service.
William began his impressive academic journey at Harvard College, where he received his A.B., majoring in chemistry, and where he was a member of Eliot House and the Class of 1960. He continued his education at the Tulane University Medical School in New Orleans, receiving his M.D. in 1965. He completed an OB-GYN residency at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Chicago and a second residency in Psychiatry at Central Texas Medical Institute at Austin State Hospital in the 1980’s.
His medical expertise was not just confined to the civilian sector; William proudly served his country as a medical officer in the Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Okinawa, and later re-enlisted as a flight surgeon in the Air Force in the 1980s at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska and then Sheppard Air Force Base near Wichita Falls, TX.
After a distinguished career in various medical fields, William found his true calling in psychiatry, dedicating his efforts to helping those with severe mental challenges at the Wichita Falls State Hospital. He retired from the Texas State Hospital in 1998 and continued his pursuit of knowledge by obtaining an associate’s degree in computer science from Oklahoma City Community College, where he also participated actively in the Seniors Computer Club of Oklahoma City.
William is survived by his life partner, Marge Gerth Kuehn, his sister Linda Morrison, his children Ronald Scott Bass, Melinda Bass Burnett, and Brian Alden Bass, and his stepdaughter Elizabeth Estes. He was previously married to Faye W. Bright, Linda Faire Bass Robertson and Mary Jo Bass.
Known for his deadpan, punny sense of humor and a love of wordplay, William's favorite sayings, "Straighten up and fly right," "Welcome Aboard," and "Don't Ask," reflected his playful and engaging nature. His interests were varied and included chemistry, photography, ham radio, computer science, and trumpet music, showcasing a life lived with curiosity.
William’s life was marked by an extraordinary passion for learning and an unyielding dedication to improving the lives of others. His legacy will be remembered by all who knew him.
