Dan Frank Bass

Dan Frank Bass, 86, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 09, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Dan was born on September 18, 1939, in Shelbyville, Indiana, to Emerson Herthel and Cynthia Celina "Lina" Bass. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1954 and proudly served in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant.
Dan graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1961 and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University in 1969. Dan dedicated 35 years to a rewarding career at Eli Lilly and Company, where he made lasting contributions before retiring in the 1997.
He met Elizabeth Ford Bentley, the love of his life, while in training for the army. After just three months of dating, they married in Oxford, Alabama and began their life together. Soon after getting married, they moved to Greenwood, Indiana. Dan and Betty spent 63 wonderful years together. They had their hands full raising four children: their late son David Bentley Bass (Susan) and three daughters, Melanie Lynn Bass, Cynthia Katherine Taylor (Phil), and Elizabeth Ann Moan (Steve). He was a proud grandfather to Chandler Winston Bass (Colleen), Clayton Phillip Taylor (Hannah), Emma Kathryn Norman (Austin), Sarah Elizabeth Sharp (Thomas), and Madelyn Elizabeth Moan, and great grandfather to three. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, David.
Dan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family first, never missing a game, performance, or special moment. He enjoyed many hobbies, including boating, skiing, swimming, reading, investing in the stock market, gardening, traveling, and cheering on Purdue sports, the Colts, and the Pacers.
Deeply committed to his faith and community, Dan served his church in numerous roles and volunteered as treasurer for Meals on Wheels, among many other philanthropic efforts.
He will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, patience and unwavering love for his family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Wilson St. Pierre, 481 West Main St., Greenwood, IN, with a service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to one of following in his honor:
The Nature Conservancy (www.preserve.nature.org)
Calvary Baptist Church (www.cbcgreenwood.com)
Salvation Army (www.give.salvationarmyusa.org)