Martin Marshall Bassett, Jr., age 86, of Bloomington, passed away on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. He was born in Goshen, Ind. on April 3, 1936, the son of the late Martin and Catherine (Watson) Bassett. Marty was predeceased by his dear sister Barbara (Robert Phillips).
Marty was a descendent of many generations of Indiana farmers who farmed in Shelby County. He spent his childhood on the family farms in Goshen. His life-long passion for John Deere tractors started on the farm. In high school Marty played guard on his varsity basketball team and ran cross country.
Marty graduated from the Indiana University School of Business in 1958. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Marty married Deanna Janovic in 1958. She was an Indiana University Chi Omega. What a wonderful journey they had! After serving in the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Lee, Va. as a second lieutenant, Marty and Deanna returned to Bloomington and raised four children Christine Ann (Christopher Hollon), M. Scott (Diane McCormick), Martin M. III (Natalie Hay), Stephanie Ann (Greg Orman).
In Bloomington, Marty began his life-long career as an insurance agent. He purchased the ABC Insurance Agency and then in 1987 founded the First Insurance Group with Frank Eberle and the late Bill Meyer. He was a tireless problem-solver, but especially enjoyed working with others to grow and develop their potential.
This life story also includes countless memories with family and friends at his cottage at Sweetwater Lake in Brown County. He especially enjoyed time at the lake surrounded by his grandchildren: Lesley Hollon, Ali Hollon, Elizabeth Hollon (John Hails), Catherine Hollon, Katherine Bassett (Michael Epstein), Kelly Bassett, Michael Bassett, Grant Bassett, Patrick Bassett, Andrew Orman (Molly Pilgrim), Kaitlyn (Patrick Cashman), Lexi Orman and Caroline Orman.
Marty is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great daughter Lindy Ann Hails.
Marty was an ardent Hoosier fan and long-time member of the Varsity Club and a proud supporter of IU Athletics. He and Deanna were patrons of the Musical Arts Center and IU Auditorium.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022 at St. Charles Catholic Church, 2222 East 3rd Street. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Monroe County History Center (monroehistory.org).
Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington, have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com
