DARRELL "BUCK" BASSETT, 88, of Ogallala, NE, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.
Buck was born June 11, 1936, at Geneva, Nebraska to Frederick and Marie (Lewis) Bassett. He attended school in Geneva before transferring to Ogallala during his freshman year, where he graduated in the class of 1954.
Buck attended the University of Wyoming at Laramie before entering the US Army. A couple of months after his discharge, Buck married Jacque Mecke at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala. Their 65-year marriage was blessed in innumerable ways, including five children: Matt, Jane, Marty, John, and Teresa.
Buck worked at First National Bank of Ogallala for several years before taking a position at Pro Oil, where he primarily worked in bookkeeping, a position he held for twenty-three years.
Buck joined the Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department in 1963 and enjoyed an impactful 43 years of service to the department and the surrounding community. In short order, Buck would hold nearly every office in every existing committee or board. He was elected President a year after he joined the department, a position he would hold a total of 14 times. Buck held numerous leadership roles, including Vice President, Captain, Treasurer, Executive Board Member, and Assistant Chief, before being appointed Fire Chief in 1992. He was also active in the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Nebraska Fire Chiefs Association, and the Southwest Mutual Aid District, advocating for fire-related legislation and communication improvements. Buck was honored with numerous accolades over the years, including the prestigious "McQueen Award" and the VFIS "Firemanship Award," which he won twice. In 2005, he was inducted into the Ogallala Hall of Fame by the department.
Buck spent many years coaching youth baseball, forming countless connections with parents and children, and memorably rewarding his players with cinnamon bears for their hard work and achievements. He was a dedicated supporter of high school athletics, volunteering as a clockkeeper for wrestling and volleyball and serving as a line judge. He was actively involved in both the public and St. Luke's school boards, the St. Luke's Parish Council, and the City Council, where he had served multiple terms as mayor.
Buck was an avid Yankees fan. When he wasn't at church, he could reliably be seen sporting a Yankees cap if he wasn't representing the Ogallala Indians or the Huskers. He was a member of the Elks and volunteered with Meals on Wheels.
Buck was a longtime member of St. Luke's Catholic Church, where he often served as a lector. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years.
Buck was a man of many hats, but his heart was perpetually grounded in service. He valued hard work and integrity, two things he modeled. He was a loving, committed husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend. He was faithful to the vows he took in life and was a meaningful example to many.
Buck was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Dorothy and Donna, and his brothers Dean and Donald.
Survivors include his wife, Jacque, of Ogallala; children, Matt (Mary Jo) Bassett of Omaha, Jane (Ray) Diaz of Ogallala, Marty (Jackie) Bassett of Mesa, AZ; John (Janice) Bassett of Gastonia, NC; Teresa (Brian) Bradney of North Platte; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; 4 step-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Norma Bassett and Shirley Bassett; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A memorial has been established in memory of Buck. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live for those unable to attend.
Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Fr. Bhanda as Celebrant. Interment with military honors will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Monday, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. Rosary and Wake Service will be at 6 p.m. on Monday at the church.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.