On Saturday, Dec. 19th Ralph Bassett, Major US Army Retired, 92, entered into eternal life home at last with the Lord. He was born in 1923 to Col. Ralph Bassett and Irene Dunham Bassett at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Growing up an "Army Brat" he lived in many different states including the Philippines.

Following in the footsteps of his father, he spent 20 years on active duty in the Army retiring in 1963. During his twenty years in the Army he served in numerous commands in the USA and around the world. His tours of duty included Italy during WWII, two tours in Germany and Saudi Arabia. After his retirement he pursued his great desire to teach obtaining California lifetime teaching credentials from elementary through junior college. During his career in education, he taught at all levels.

Ralph earned his first bachelor's degree from Univ. of Maryland in Heidelberg, Germany while on active duty. He also earned two other undergraduate degrees from San Diego State University and a Masters of Education from Pepperdine University.

One of his great passions was tennis. He played for almost 80 years with great success. He was a member of the All Army Tennis Team in 1963, the team won the national interservice championship that year. He also played the Texas Senior Circuit for many years and was ranked in the top three for his age bracket. In 1996 he was given the Corpus Christi Tennis Assoc. Senior Spirit of Tennis Award. And in 1999 he received the same award for the State of Texas. It was a sad day when he had to put up his tennis racket because of failing health.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, brother and step-mother. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara and six children. Three daughters Linda (Piero) Romano of Brescia, Italy; Joyce Bassett of Livorno, Italy; Stephanie Bassett of Corpus Christi and three sons Charles (Michelle)of Bartlett, TX; Mark (Tenese) of Colorado Springs, CO.; Gregory (Tamara) of Beaumont, TX. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jonathon Martin and his nurse Kathy for their many years of loving and compassionate care. Also to Bethany, Karen, Julie, Jenny and Deacon Israel of Christus Hospice which allowed Ralph to be home until the end.

Funeral services will be held at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2233 Waldron Rd., Wed. Dec.23rd . Rosary at 10 AM, Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Graveside service with military honors will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make donations to the Alzheimer's Association, Wounded Warriors Project or a charity of your choice in his memory.