Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Lee Thomas Bass (also known as David Oliver Bass) |
| Birth Date | October 14, 1924 |
| Birthplace | Taconite, Itasca, Minnesota, USA |
| Death Date | March 24, 2001 |
| Death Place | Arizona, USA |
| Military Rank | Sergeant, United States Army |
| Spouse | Vassiliki “Voula” Papadimitriou |
| Children | Tommy Lee Bass, Athena L. Bass |
Early Life
David Lee Thomas Bass was born in a small mining town in northern Minnesota to Welsh-American parents with a strong work ethic. He spent his childhood exploring the forests around Taconite and attending the local grammar school before joining the Army.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Parents | John Bass and Julie E. Sanders |
| Heritage | Welsh descent through both paternal and maternal lines |
| Childhood Home | Rustic mining community of Taconite, surrounded by lakes and forests |
| Education | Local public schools; no records of higher education publicly documented |
| Early Influences | Outdoor life, community gatherings, and family storytelling traditions |
| Meeting His Wife | Met Vassiliki “Voula” Papadimitriou in Greece during military deployment |
Military Career
Sergeant Bass spent the early 1940s as a non-commissioned officer leading small squads in Mediterranean campaigns, where discipline and leadership were crucial. Those experiences changed him as a soldier and introduced him to his lifelong partner.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Branch | United States Army, infantry assignments |
| Rank | Sergeant, guiding platoon operations |
| Draft Registration | Registered June 30, 1942, under Selective Service Act |
| Service Period | 1942–1946, encompassing World War II Mediterranean operations |
| Theaters of Operation | Greece (where he met Voula), Italy, and surrounding Mediterranean regions |
| Discharge | Honorably discharged in late 1946 at rank of Sergeant |
Net Worth
David Oliver Bass earned his living from military pay and veterans’ benefits, supplemented by modest civilian roles after 1946. His estate reflected a middle-class, service-oriented life without significant business ventures or public investments.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Income | Military salary and subsequent veteran’s pension |
| Civilian Roles | Unspecified, likely local employment in Arizona or California |
| Reported Assets | No publicly documented real estate holdings or major investments |
| Lifestyle | Modest middle-class, focused on family and community involvement |
| Net Worth Estimate | Undisclosed; presumed under six figures at time of death |
Family and Notable Members
Bass’s greatest legacy may be the family he raised with Voula, whose Greek pageantry roots added an international flair. Their children inherited a passion for performance and rhythm, transforming their father’s story into one intertwined with rock history. Music connected David’s military discipline with his children’s artistic ambitions.
| Name | Relation | Notability | Birth–Death | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vassiliki “Voula” Papadimitriou | Wife | Miss Greece 1960, Miss World contestant | 1937–2012 | Married David around 1958; moved to the U.S. |
| Tommy Lee Bass | Son | Co-founder and drummer of Mötley Crüe | 1962–Present | Known for high-energy performances and DJ projects |
| Athena L. Bass | Daughter | Award-winning drummer, reality TV personality | 1964–Present | Played in Hardly Dangerous, appeared on Ex-Wives of Rock |
| James Kottak (ex-in-law) | Former Son-in-Law | Drummer for Scorpions | 1962–Present | Married Athena from 1996 to 2010; three children |
FAQ
Who was David Oliver Bass?
Born in Minnesota in 1924, he was a U.S. Army sergeant and father to Tommy and Athena Lee.
When and where was he born?
David Lee Thomas Bass was born on October 14, 1924, in Taconite, Itasca County, Minnesota.
Later career?
He worked locally and received a veteran’s pension (unknown tasks).
His death net worth?
His net worth was unknown but likely low, suggesting a middle-class lifestyle without major investments.
Who are his famous children?
His offspring include Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee and award-winning drummer and reality TV personality Athena Lee.
