Michael Charles Bass

Lifelong Biloxian Michael Charles Bass, 77, finally rejoined with his deceased loved ones and Creator on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Mike passed peacefully with his wife sitting by his side. 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Paul and Aeoline Gabrich Bass; his brothers, Marion “Nunu” Cruthirds, Frank “Buddy” Bass; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

He is survived by his wife Susie; his daughters, S. Clare Bass, CSJ, and Michele Mitchell (Brett); his grandchildren, Dylan, Elena, and Mia Mitchell; niece, Terri Cruthirds Goldsboro (Ricker); nephews, Derek Bass and Danny Bass (Julie); and niece, Ashley Bass. 

He graduated from Biloxi High School and attended the University of Mississippi in Oxford until he was called to serve his country. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving in the U.S. Army from 1969 until 1973. Mike served in the Army Airborne Infantry in the 1st Battalion/7th Cavalry. As a paratrooper during the Vietnam War he earned 2 Purple Hearts. Mike returned in 1973, with the Bronze Star, three Air Medals, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross given for valor and heroic conduct while in combat with the enemy. 

After returning from Vietnam, Mike began his career with the U.S. Postal Service in New Orleans, LA. He eventually transferred to the Biloxi Post Office where he would go on to serve for 35 years as a letter carrier. He enjoyed getting to know the people on his various routes and many have commented that he was a “bright spot” in their day. 

Mike met the love of his life, Susie, at his cousin Linda Bourgeois’ house through her mother Vetsie Gabrich. Mike and Susie were married in May of 1982 and enjoyed 42 and a half years together. They had two daughters. Mike was thrilled when his oldest daughter Clare announced to the family that she had a vocation as a Catholic Sister. She is now a sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet living in Chicago, IL. The couple’s second daughter, Michele Mitchell is married to their favorite son-in-law Brett, and they have three children, Dylan, Elena, and Mia Mitchell. Mike adored his grandchildren and was proud to be their “Poppy.” He also loved dogs and was a proud pet parent of Ms. Ippi, Missy, Chaps, and Saffy. 

Mike was a member of the American Croatian Lodge until illness prohibited him from driving. He was proud of his Croatian heritage as well as his Irish and Italian ancestries. Mike was an avid Notre Dame Football fan and followed the team his whole life. He was so excited to finally attend his first game in South Bend, Indiana, with his cousin Rudy Lesso and then a few years later attend another game there with his daughter Clare. 

One of Mike’s greatest accomplishments happened after a tropical storm clean up in the early 1990s. While working in the yard Mike put two old rakes together offsetting the tines and that made his raking at the time go quicker. He worked tirelessly for many years with his business partner in Japan to create and patent “The Perfect Rake.” He was able to able to secure a patent for the rake and was able to make 5,000 rakes which were sold locally. In 1998, Mike and his family were chosen to attend the Morning Show on FX, a nationally syndicated show to demonstrate the “Perfect Rake” in New York City. 

Mike proudly played Little League baseball in Biloxi and in 1961 the All-Star Biloxi team made it to the Norfolk, VA, regional Little League tournament. Even though they did not make it all the way to the Little League World Series finals in Williamsport, PA, Mike was always proud they got that far and that they met New York Yankee Star Joe Dimaggio while there. 

The family would like to especially thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Biloxi V.A. Hospital and the Community Living Center for the outstanding care and love that was given to Mike. Special thanks go to the nurses in the hematology lab, Dr. Gonzalez and his assistants Greg and Ann and most sincere thanks to team Niagara and Head Nurse Ashley in the Community Living Center, and to the chaplain Father Audet, Chaplain Thomas, and Chaplain Hoggatt. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 24, 2025, at Nativity B.V.M Cathedral with visitation from 9:30 a.m-11:00 a.m. and a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at the National Cemetery and a reception will be held at the American Croatian Cultural Center. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to either the Nativity BVM Elementary School Teacher Fund or the Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School Teacher Fund. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Michael Charles Bass.