Terry Hugh Bass

Terry Hugh Bass, 81, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on February 4, 2026. He was born on March 27, 1944, in Austin, TX.

A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Terry is survived by his beloved spouse, Martha Bass; daughters Christina Jacoby (Jeremy) and Katie Thomas (Will); son David Bass (Jessica); grandchildren Marena, Daylyn (Brenda), Jourdynn, Hunter, Charlotte, Dean, and Nora; and great-granddaughters Luna-Mae and Brooklyn, who cherished his presence and guidance.

He graduated from McCallum High School in Austin in 1962 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Houston in 1967. That same year, he answered the call to serve his country, beginning active duty with the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970 and continuing his service through 1974.

In 1975, Terry became a flight instructor, sharing his love of aviation and shaping the next generation of pilots. That same passion led him to the Federal Aviation Administration, where he began his career as an air traffic controller and moved to Albuquerque.

From 1983 to 1986, Terry transferred to Honolulu, Hawaii, serving as an air traffic controller while also flying F-90 aircraft around the Hawaiian Islands. During that time, he joined the Hawaii Army National Guard as a warrant officer and military pilot, flying UH-1 Huey helicopters.

In 1986, he returned to Albuquerque to work at the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center and joined the New Mexico Army National Guard, continuing to fly Hueys. 

His career then took him to FAA Headquarters in 1989, where he lived in Walkersville, Maryland, and joined the Maryland Army National Guard, flying AH-1 Cobra helicopters.

In 1993, Terry transferred to the Indianapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center as an Automation Manager and joined the Indiana Army National Guard, flying the fixed-wing C-23 Sherpa. In 1999, he moved back to Albuquerque but continued working remotely for FAA Headquarters.

In 2004, Terry retired from the Federal Aviation Administration and from the United States Army National Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW4), concluding a distinguished military and federal career marked by leadership, technical excellence, and unwavering dedication . 

Retirement did not slow him down. That same year, he traveled to Kabul, Afghanistan, to help establish their air traffic control system - once again answering the call to serve, even in his 60s. 

He rejoined the New Mexico Civil Air Patrol in 2003, serving with Albuquerque Squadron II and the New Mexico Wing as both a Check Pilot and Cadet Orientation Pilot. Major Bass was deeply committed to mentoring young cadets and fellow aviators, always eager to share his knowledge and steady leadership. Last year, he was honored with the New Mexico Wing's Decade of Dedication Award in recognition of his years of faithful service.

In addition to his service flying with the New Mexico Civil Air Patrol, he also flew medevacs, Learjets, transporting critically ill patients across the country. He was always on call, ready to go at a moment's notice whenever someone needed him.

But as remarkable as his career was, Terry's proudest achievement was his family.

On August 4, 1979, he married the love of his life, Martha Jane Hawley. For 46 years, they built a life grounded in loyalty, laughter, resilience, and deep devotion. Their marriage was the foundation of the family he treasured so dearly.

Terry filled his days working with his hands and being outdoors. He could take apart an engine piece by piece and put it back together with ease. He loved hunting, fishing, spending time on boats and motorcycles, and firing up the grill to barbecue for the people he loved. Some of his happiest moments were simple ones - sharing a cold beer on the porch of the cabin in the Jemez Mountains he built with his hands. He loved watching sunsets around the world, and especially the nightly glow of the Sandias.

If you ever thanked him for anything, he would just grin and say,

"Twern't no problem."

But it was never "no problem."

It was love. It was service. It was who he was.

His remarkable legacy of service and dedication will be honored at a series of ceremonies beginning February 26, 2026. Visitation will be held at French's Funeral Wyoming Chapel from 5:00-7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on February 27 at 10:00 AM at Risen Savior Catholic Community, followed by a graveside service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 11:30 AM. Following the cemetery service, a reception will be held at Risen Savior.

Terry was preceded in death by his father, Roy Bass; mother, Nettie Meusel; stepfather, Paul Meusel; brother, Kenneth Bass; granddaughter, Cassidy Thomas; and great-granddaughter, Arcadia Jaramillo.

He's finally cleared for takeoff - flying free in wide, endless skies forever.

Those who wish to honor his memory and his generous spirit may do so with a donation in his name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital