Crowley ISD ROTC leader killed in Fort Worth – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

A family mourns the death of their father and beloved Crowley ISD Junior ROTC leader, who was shot and killed.

According to Fort Worth police, 54-year-old Gene Bass was outside his home Friday afternoon when a family member shot him in a passing car. He was later arrested in Georgia.

Family members told NBC 5 that Bass will leave behind a legacy characterized by his service to others.

Since he was a child, Gene Bass loved being part of a team.

He grew up in Buffalo, New York, and played football before joining the military.

“He was a really good father. He had a good heart,” said Michael Bass, Gene’s brother.

Bass’ family said he still felt a calling to military service even after leaving the armed forces. He did so by becoming a Junior ROTC leader in Crowley ISD, helping students overcome adversity and preparing them to serve their country.

“He wanted to be a vessel to show the kids how to do it and how to do it right so they have something to look forward to,” Michael Bass said.

As loyal Buffalo Bills fans, the family was already looking forward to Gene’s next trip to a game in the fall.

Then, on Friday, the unthinkable happened.

“My sister called me and told me the news,” Michael Bass said. “From then on, it was just devastated.”

Fort Worth police said Bass was in his front yard on Chesapeake Bay Drive on the afternoon of June 28. A member of Bass’ family shot him from a passing car and he was eventually arrested in Valdosta, Georgia, police said.

“I couldn’t believe it, I was in shock, I’m still in shock,” said Michael Bass. “I’m numb right now. I can hardly think, hardly concentrate, hardly eat and hardly sleep.”

“As you and your child may know, we have lost a valued member of our NCHS JROTC family,” Crowley ISD told families in a message. “Master Sergeant Gene Bass passed away on Friday, June 28th. The Fort Worth Police Department is investigating his death.”

“This is an incredibly sad time for all of us, especially those who knew MSG Bass as a teacher and friend,” the statement continued. “He was an outstanding educator and colleague and touched the lives of countless students and staff.”

The district said families could request counseling services for students affected by the loss, including those who learned under him in the JROTC program.

“It was his way of being part of the military without being in it,” Michael Bass said.

There was a lot of reaction to Bass’s death on social media, with former students remembering his kindness and how he led them to success during difficult times.

The family said they would memorialize Bass in this way in the future.

“We want justice and we want it as soon as possible,” Michael Bass said. “And I just want Gene to be remembered as the great guy and military man he was.”

Gene Bass’ family said they also plan to establish a Junior ROTC scholarship in his memory.