Arvil Bass

Lawrence Arvil Bass, 76, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025. He was born January 26, 1948, in Maryville, MO, to Lawrence and Pauline (Duff) Bass.

He married Jennifer Sanford on November 27, 1971, at St Mary's Chapel in Knoxville, Il. Together, they had three children: Sayard (Alex) Bass-Rucinski of Downers Grove, Jacob of North Pekin, IL, and Eli of Peoria, IL; four grandchildren, Killian, Freya, Max, and Margaret. Two sisters, Linda Moushon of Lehigh, FL, and Gail Althoff of Effingham, IL, also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Herb.

Arvil graduated from Eureka College in 1970 with a Humanities Divisional major, Yale Divinity School with a Master's in Religion in 1974, and McCormick Theological Seminary with a Doctorate in Ministry in 1994. In retirement, he became a Licensed Spiritual Director and served as a Regional Elder.

While in seminary, he interned for eighteen months at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Centralia, IL. After being ordained, he served Central Christian Church (DOC) in Havana, IL. He later served at Memorial (Mosaic) Christian Church (DOC) in Peoria. He was a chaplain at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Arvil's ministry was spent working with many people with many needs, but he especially enjoyed his summers spent in many summer camps working with youth of all ages. Wherever he lived, he was very active in the community. Currently, he was mentoring students in seminary who were preparing to be ordained in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. A special joy in retirement was teaching study groups for Osher Lifelong Institute (OLLI) with continuing at Bradley University.

A service to celebrate Arvil's life and ministry will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Eureka Christian Church (DOC), 302 South Main, in Eureka, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 12:00, and services will begin at 12:00 noon. A service to celebrate Arvil's life and ministry will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Eureka Christian Church (DOC), 302 South Main, in Eureka, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 12:00, and services will begin at 12:00 noon. Memorials may be made to OSF Foundation to help those who need assistance with medical fees, Camp Walter Scott or Eureka Christian. please note memorial gifts for Arvil Bass. Please note memorial gifts for Arvil Bass. Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services, Peoria has been entrusted with arrangements. Please note memorial gifts for Arvil Bass. Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services, Peoria has been entrusted with arrangements.