Pawnee — Harold Ray "Cotton" Bass, 73, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at his home in Pawnee. He was born Jan. 25, 1950, in Anna, the son of Harold C. and Barbara A. Toler Bass. Cotton married Barbara Ann Jones on Aug. 30, 1985, in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cotton was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served his country for 19 months. He graduated in 1968 from Union High School and attended East Central College, both in Union, Missouri. He retired from Chrysler Corp. in Fenton, Missouri, in 1998 after 30 years of service.

Cotton enjoyed hunting foxes and coyotes, running dogs, raising cattle, bailing hay in the summers and being with his grandkids.

Cotton is survived by his wife, Barb, of Pawnee; one daughter, Keri (husband, James) Lederbrand, of Pawnee; one son, Danny Baublitz, of Union, Missouri; six grandchildren; one brother, Danny (wife, Debbie) Bass, of St. Clair, Missouri; one sister, Vicki (husband, Richard) Howard, of Union, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation rites will be accorded. No services are planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Food Pantry, P.O. Box 304, Pawnee, IL 62558.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Harold "Cotton" Bass.