John Keith Bass, 90, Franklin, passed away on November 5, 2023.

John was born January 7, 1933 to George and Viola (Stubbs) Bass in Morristown, Indiana.  After graduating from Morristown High School in 1950, John joined the US Air Force serving four years.

Upon completion of his service, John and his family returned to Indiana, where he attended Butler University graduating with a degree in Education and completing his Masters at a later date.

He began his 30-year teaching career in Shelbyville, IN and in 1963 moved to Warren Central High School in Indianapolis.  While at Warren Central, John taught history, was the Director of Guidance for many years and completed his career teaching Business at the Warren Central Career Center.  He retired in 1990.

John enjoyed traveling, reading and visiting with everyone who just wanted to talk.  He was a friend to many and never met a stranger especially if they were a veteran.  He was very proud that he had the opportunity to take the Indy Honor Flight #21 on October 15, 2016.  He was a 32 degree Mason over 62 years and an American Legion member for over 65 years.  John was a member of Garfield Park Baptist Church.

John married Merrilyn Lindley in 1978, enjoying 45 years of friends, travel, good health and fun spending 20 years wintering in Bonita Springs, FL.  John and Merrilyn recently moved to the Masonic Home of Indiana in Franklin.

John is survived by his wife, Merrilyn Bass, Franklin, IN and two children Alan K. Bass, Indianapolis, Arlene K. Bass McAlister and son-in-law Russell J. McAlister of Bradenton, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Indiana Masonic Home, Compass Park, Franklin, IN at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Indiana Masonic Home.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Online condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.