Colonel Gerry W. Bass

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Colonel Gerry W. Bass, of Naples, Florida, passed away Dec. 25, 2010.

He was born Dec. 22, 1932 in Pinckneyville, Illinois to Gerald and Violet Bass. Gerry joined the United States Air Force within days of graduating from high school, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton Institute, Hampton, Virginia and served in both the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts. He flew 100 combat missions, many over North Viet Nam as an F-4 pilot. While stationed in Brazil, he flew supplies deep into the Xingu Forest in the Amazon Jungle and for these flights and other endeavors he was awarded Brazilian Air Force Wings and the Santos Dumont Medal.

Gerry never lost his sense of wonder, never forgot his roots while living life to the fullest. He is featured in the book "Incredible Dreams, Incredible Lives" by Jason Schoonover.

Retiring from the United States Air Force after 28 years, Gerry joined Eastern Airlines and later Ryder Corporation in Miami, Florida. He was a member of Daedalions, Quiet Birdmen, Sons of the American Revolution, a 32nd degree Mason, Paul Harris Fellow in the Rotarians, a Fellow in the Royal Geographical Society of London and a medalist in the Explorers Club of New York City.

Gerry is survived by his childhood sweetheart wife of 57 years, Carol, son Mark Bass, daughter Mary Gossman, granddaughters Kristina Gossman and Jen Allen, great grandchildren Taylor and Carter Allen and sisters Mary Ann Daffron and Nancy Connors.

Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.