of Little Rock, AR

August 23, 1960 - January 1, 2024

Rev. Michael Edmond Bass entered eternal life on Monday, January 1, 2024. A native of Arkansas, Fr. Bass was born on August 23, 1960 in Little Rock to the late Margaret Ann Lockhart and the late Samuel A. Bass. He began his seminary formation at Saint Meinrad College Seminary in Saint Meinrad, Indiana graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics. After college graduation, Fr. Bass continued his formation at Saint Mary's Seminary University in Baltimore, Maryland where he earned a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (S.T.B) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. Bishop Andrew J. McDonald ordained Fr. Bass on August 8, 1987 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Little Rock.

He served parishes and other ministries throughout Arkansas. He began ministry as associate pastor of Immaculate Conception in Fort Smith. He served as associate pastor at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hot Springs; Immaculate Conception in North Little Rock; Saint Theresa and Christ the King parishes in Little Rock and Saint Raphael in Springdale and St. Joseph in Tontitown. He pastored Saint Paul the Apostle Parish in Pocahontas and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Walnut Ridge and Our Lady of Fatima in Benton. He served as Administrator of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Mary of the Springs in Hot Springs. Fr. Bass cared for the spiritual needs of the Spanish speaking parishioners of Saint Rose of Lime in Carlisle. He celebrated the Mass for the Latin Mass community in northern Arkansas. In addition to his parish work, he collaborated in diocesan leadership as a dean, the diocesan Chaplain for the Catholic Daughters of America and terms on the Clergy Welfare Board and the Clergy Personnel Board.

Fr. Michael Bass is survived by his sister, Sandra Holland and stepbrothers, Sam Lingo and Billy Carl Lingo. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Bass and Margaret Ann Lockhart and stepfather, Billy Lockhart.


A Vigil Service and Rosary will be celebrated at at 6:00pm at Our Lady of Fatima in Benton on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 10, 204 at 10:00am. The internment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock.

''You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.'' (Heb. 7:17)

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Drummond Funeral Home
10900 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR  72209
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com