Vernon Bass

Vernon Bass graduated from PHS in 1925. He lettered in football from 1921-1924 and basketball from 1921-1925. He lettered in baseball and track from 1922-1925.

Up to the 1922-23 school year, all of the PHS athletic teams had played games as an independent. Bass was a member of the 1922 football team that was a Charter Member of the Southern Association, which became the Southern Oklahoma High School Conference in 1923. PHS athletic teams would remain members of the Southern Oklahoma High School Conference until 1928 before joining an early version of the old Arbuckle Conference.

Bass was a senior on the first PHS football team to use the nickname “Dragons” in 1924. In his later life, Vernon worked 42 years for the Santa Fe Railroad as an Engineer Foreman before retiring in 1972.

Bass was a faithful member of the Purcell First Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School General Secretary for at least 15-20 years. His wife, Ruth, was the FBC organist for many years.

Vernon’s son, Bill Bass (PHS Class of 1967) spent some time as the sports editor of The Purcell Register.

Vernon was recognized by his PHS football peers and Purcell citizens of that time period as an outstanding athlete who brought great size and strength, fantastic speed and a natural athletic ability to any sport he participated in, but especially football and track where he excelled.

He was named as a defensive back on the 1895-1934) All-Decade(s) football team selected by Purcell High School Alumni.