Harry W. Bass Sr.
Harry Wesley Bass | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Enid, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | February 18, 1970 (aged 74) Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1919–1970 |
| Known for | Oil and gas exploration, A-frame derrick invention, philanthropy |
Harry Wesley Bass (April 9, 1895 – February 18, 1970) was a prominent American entrepreneur and philanthropist. Initially trained in banking, he transitioned into oil and gas exploration during the Texas oil boom and is credited with creating the A-frame derrick. Bass founded and led several oil and gas enterprises in Oklahoma and Texas, including the Goliad Oil and Gas Corporation, which extended its operations into Canada. He also made significant contributions to the Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas through building endowments.
Early life
Born on April 9, 1895, in Enid, Oklahoma, Bass served in the 82nd Field Artillery Regiment of the United States Army during World War I. He completed his education at the University of Oklahoma, earning a degree specializing in banking.
Career
Bass’s professional journey started in banking; however, by 1919, amid the thriving Texas oil boom, he began investing in oil and gas ventures across Oklahoma and Texas. In 1925, he co-founded Champlin & Bass, concentrating on oil production and drilling services. His innovation continued in 1928 with the development of the A-frame derrick.
Relocating to Dallas, Texas in 1932, Bass established Trinity Gas Corporation in 1939 and later founded Can-Tex Drilling in 1941, an exploration company operating within Alberta, Canada. Additionally, he created the Wilcox Trend Gathering System, a pipeline network serving South Texas, along with Goliad Corp., which specialized in constructing and managing natural gas processing facilities.
Bass held leadership roles as chairman of H. W. Bass & Sons, a private oil and gas investment company, as well as the Goliad Oil and Gas Corporation with Canadian interests. He was acknowledged as an innovator in natural gas recycling and a key developer of gas plants and gathering infrastructure.
His professional influence extended to serving as president of the Texas Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association.
Philanthropy
In 1945, Bass established the Harry Bass Foundation. A notable philanthropic contribution occurred in 1965 when he gifted US$500,000 to the Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. The Wilma Bass Memorial Hall, dedicated to women patients and named after his wife, stands as a testament to this donation. A portrait of Wilma Bass, commissioned by Harry Bass, is displayed within this hall.
Personal life
Bass was married to Wilma Schuessler; together they had two sons: Harry W. Bass, Jr. and Richard Bass. Wilma passed away in 1963.
Death and legacy
On February 18, 1970, Bass died in Dallas, Texas. His funeral services were held at the Highland Park United Methodist Church. His sons inherited his business interests, and his charitable foundation was eventually combined with that of his son Harry.