Hulan Frank Bass

Hulan Frank Bass, 95, formerly of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Katy, Texas, on Monday, June 15, 2026.

A funeral service honoring Hulan’s life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Abilene Primitive Baptist Church, 3565 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas. A livestream of the service can be viewed at www.abilenepbc.org.  Burial will be at the Hawley Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street, Abilene, Texas.

Hulan was born on March 21, 1931, in Crosbyton, Texas, to Jesse and Georgia Bass. He grew up in Crosbyton, where his parents owned and operated a chicken hatchery. During his school years, he excelled in basketball and graduated from Crosbyton High School in May 1948.

Following graduation, Hulan attended Texas Tech University, where he studied Economics. In 1950, he earned his stockbroker’s license and began his career with E.F. Hutton. Over the next three decades, he built a successful career in the brokerage industry, working with several firms, primarily in Lubbock, Texas. In his younger years, he also worked as a truck driver and surveyor, demonstrating the strong work ethic that would characterize his entire life.

In 1950, Hulan met the love of his life, Jacquelynn Ann Bovell. They were married on June 17, 1952, in Muleshoe, Texas, and shared 63 devoted years together until Jacquelynn’s passing on August 30, 2015. Their marriage was blessed with three children: David Hulan Bass of Wichita, Kansas; Edward Lee Bass of San Angelo, Texas; and Sherrye Lynn Smith of Katy, Texas.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Hulan was ordained as a minister in the Primitive Baptist Church in 1972. During 54 years of faithful ministry, he pastored churches in Levelland, Texas, for 17 years and concurrently served the church in Brownfield, Texas, for eight years. He also maintained regular appointments in Muleshoe for seven years and conducted first-Sunday services in Lubbock for several years. Later, he served as pastor of the McMahan Primitive Baptist Church for 19 years, followed by 12 years as pastor of the Abilene Primitive Baptist Church.

Throughout his ministry, Hulan traveled extensively across many states, preaching the Gospel and ministering wherever he was called. His devotion to God, his love for the King James Bible, and his commitment to the Primitive Baptist Church were THE guiding forces of his life.

Hulan lived a full and adventurous life and pursued many interests with enthusiasm. At just sixteen years old, he earned his private pilot’s license and soon afterward worked as a crop duster. His love of aviation continued for much of his life as he flew private aircraft, taught ground school, and served as a flight instructor. He owned an antique 1947 Stinson Voyager airplane and made many memorable trips with Jacquelynn.

He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and music. As a teenager, he performed with a country band and even recorded a record. A gifted musician, he played both the steel guitar and his beloved Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar, sharing his love of music with family, friends, and fellow believers for many years.

Hulan was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Georgia Bass; his beloved wife, Jacquelynn Ann Bass; his younger brothers, David Irwin Bass, Kenneth Wayne Bass, and Jesse Stanley Bass; and numerous cousins and loved ones.

He is survived by his children, David Hulan Bass and his wife, Cynthia Jo; Edward Lee Bass and his wife, Sharon Kay; and Sherrye Lynn Smith and her husband, Paul Lincoln Smith; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many beloved extended family members, dear friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ who will forever cherish his memory.

Hulan will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful minister, skilled pilot, talented musician, and trusted friend. His steadfast faith, gentle spirit, and lifelong dedication to serving God and others leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” — 2nd Timothy 2:15

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” — Revelation 14:13