David Edward Bassett Born 11-11-34 in Rogers, AR. Died 3-3-13 in San Antonio, TX.. David lived a very eventful life. His mother (Doris), father (Stonewall), and elder brother (Bill) moved many times growing up. When they lived in Wichita, KS. in the '40s, both brothers were in their teens. Their father had earned his pilot's license and was an airport manager. He was the owner/operator of Sunflower Airport and David and his brother helped out in the hopes that they would get flying lessons. They both succeeded and got their pilot's licenses at 14, but wouldn't be able to solo until they were 16. Stonewall decided to have Bill solo one day before his 16 birthday. David, thinking his father would do the same for him was surprised when his dad put him in the cockpit two days before his 16th birthday and said "take off'. "Take off' he did! David and his parents moved to Hondo, TX. in 1951 when Stonewall became chief flight instructor at Hondo Airfield. David was going to be a senior in high school. Having come from a large high school in Wichita, David embraced the "small town" atmosphere of Hondo High School. David excelled in academics and was valedictorian. That is also when he met Shirley Ann Lutz, one year his junior. David graduated in 1952 and went to Texas A&M for a semester but wanted to marry his high school sweetheart. So he asked, and she said yes, they married in 1953. They were married for 46 years. David joined the Air Force in 1955 as an NCO. He was a propeller mechanic for 7 years when he decided to go to Officer Candidate School (OCS). His classmates remained a big part of his life. He graduated with flying colors. At that time you could not be a pilot if you required eye-glasses. David became a navigator instead, and had a remarkable career traveling around the world. He received numerous decorations, medals, and commendations including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He served proudly in Viet Nam and was part of the EC-47 program. David's military career consisted of assignments all over the United States of America, and the world. His family was very fortunate to have a father like him, and were lucky enough to be able to be a part of some of those assignments, living in Hawaii and Naples, Italy are some prime examples. After retiring from the Air Force in 1979, he moved his family to San Antonio. A short time later he went to work for U-Haul as a regional manager for several years. He then decided to go to work at NEISD where Shirley had already been for several years so he could handle the bus route logistics. David and Shirley decided that they would both retire. They were able to spend lots of time with their children and their grandchildren. Shirley died unexpectedly on 6-7-2000. David found love again through his OCS association and married Susan Fretwell. They remained friends throughout. David is survived by three children, Jeff (Kelly) Bassett, Gail (Randy) Wylie, and Eric (Becky) Bassett; six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Tillie Bassett; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. David enjoyed so many friends throughout his life and has left a lasting impression on so many people that love and respect him dearly. He was a father figure to more than his own children. David loved to play golf with his long time friends, Joe (Lou) Hope and Bobby Wolfe. He even had a hole-in-one at Alamo Golf Club. Diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January 2011. He endured multiple rounds of chemo and radiation therapies and was cancer free for more than a year, which he called his "bonus year". Throughout all of his illness he always maintained a positive attitude. When the time came and there were no treatments available to battle this terrible disease he continued to show grace. We lost a good man today! Services will be held at the Methodist Church in Hondo, TX. on Thursday 3-7-13. Visitation at 10:00 am, funeral service at 11:00 am and burial to follow with full military honors. Reception at the hall.