Larry “Red” Wayne Bass

Larry “Red” Wayne Bass

Jan. 5, 1953 - Nov. 22, 2023

McCOOK, Neb. - Larry “Red” Wayne Bass, age 70, of McCook, Neb. passed away surrounded by his loved ones at his home in McCook on Nov. 22, 2023.

Red was born Jan. 5, 1953 in Sterling, Colo. His parents were Ed and Inez Marie (Tadolini) Bass. He was one of two brothers and attended school in McCook, graduating from McCook High School with the Class of 1971. He then attended Central Nebraska Technical College in Hastings, graduating with an auto body degree in 1973.

Red married the love of his life, Gail Carpenter, in McCook. Even though the couple later divorced, Red and Gail remained wonderful friends.

Following Red’s graduation from CNTC, he worked for Hormel Chevrolet in McCook. He also spent a brief amount of time working in the oilfields. Red then managed Bass Sporting Goods, the family-owned business in McCook.

In 1981, Red began LB Motors, which, at its original location, sat on the backlot of Kuhlman’s Conoco. Red developed a successful car dealership that he owned and managed until 2014. Helping to ensure the next owner’s success, Red continued his involvement in the business for a number of years.

Red was a member of the local Elk’s Club and enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating and spending time with family and friends at the lake. Many hours were spent around Red’s round table. Whether it was coffee in the morning before work or the social hour after work each day, his friends would gather to visit.

Red attended the McCook Evangelical Free Church.

Red was preceded in death by his parents.

Those left to celebrate his life include his chosen children, Adam (Jessica) Johnson and their children, Eli, Neleigh and Landon all of McCook and Crystal (Clifford) Lakey of Imperial, Neb. and their children, Mason (Myah) Bright and son, Creedyn, of McCook and Harper and Avery Lakey, of Imperial; brother, Randy (Joan) Bass of Culbertson, Neb.; three nieces, Katherine “Katie” Bass (Dave Malnar) and their children, Parker and Reece, all of Lincoln, Neb., Courtney (Emery) Quint and their children, Autumn, Alexis and Austin and Margaret “Maggie” (Scott) Repass, all of McCook; as well as numerous cousins, extended family members and friends.

Red loved to help kids. In his memory, memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, are suggested St. Jude’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, McCook YMCA, PO Box 408, McCook, NE 69001 or The McCook Optimist Club, PO Box 272, McCook, NE 69001.

A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 at the McCook Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Terry McCorkle officiating.

Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, McCook.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.