Bass Trumbo

Charles "Bass" Trumbo Sr., 90, passed away at his home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on November 30, 2025. Born on February 23, 1935, in Fayetteville to Cassie Juanita Bass and Donald Trumbo Sr., Bass spent all ninety years of his life in the town he loved and never wanted to leave.

Bass grew up on the fairways of Fayetteville Country Club, where he began caddying at age ten. That childhood job ignited his lifelong love of golf and led to more than eight decades of membership at the club. He carried his passion for the game-and the friendships it brought him-throughout his entire life.

He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1952, where he was an All-State basketball player. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas, earning his undergraduate degree in 1957 and his law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1959. While in college, Bass played basketball and golf for the Razorbacks and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order.

Bass began his law career in 1959 and practiced in Fayetteville for more than sixty years, continuing until 2022. He also taught business law at the University of Arkansas for over three decades, known for his clarity, humor, and high expectations. He served two years in the U.S. Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Captain, though he often joked that he was "not the best soldier."

For 80 years, Bass was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir, participated in parish life, and remained deeply connected to the congregation. He was well known throughout the community for his weekly letters to the editor in the Sunday newspaper-so prolific that the paper eventually revised its policy to limit him to one a month. Not everyone always understood his dry humor, but those who knew him did.

Bass married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Pace, on March 15, 1985, after being set up on a blind date. Together, they built a home full of beauty, comfort, stories, and laughter. He is survived by Ruth Ann and by his four children: Jay Trumbo (Karen Donahue), Carolyn Trumbo (Dennis Tune), Charles Bass Trumbo Jr., and Elizabeth Trumbo Phillips (Jack). By his grandchildren: Walker Trumbo Smith (Madison), Dalton Trumbo (Emily), and Michael Trumbo. And by his brother, Ellis Patterson Trumbo.

Bass was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Don Trumbo Jr. and Arthur Howell Trumbo, and his first wife Carolyn Kay Trumbo.

Bass was clever, direct, accountable, and witty. He loved receiving gifts and surprises, savoring a good meal, and telling stories from a lifetime spent in Fayetteville and childhood visits to family in New Orleans. He passed along his sense of humor, his practicality, and his appreciation for a simple, well-ordered life.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Circle of Life Hospice for their exceptional care and to St. Paul's Episcopal Church for their steadfast support throughout Bass' final months.

Funeral service to be held 10:30 a.m. Friday December 5, 2025, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with reception to follow at St. Paul's. Burial will follow the reception at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville under the direction of Moore's Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 224 N. East Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com