ANNA, Ill. -- Melvin Basse, 89, of Anna died Wednesday, March 12, 1997, at Union County Hospital.

He was born Feb. 9, 1908, in Pulaski County, son of William and Bertha Studer Basse. He and Mary Schultz were married Dec. 23, 1937. She died July 31, 1976. He later married Dorotha Boaz April 18, 1979.

Basse purchased Anna Ready Mix in 1954, and retired in 1982. He was a member of Anna United Methodist Church and had served as trustee and treasurer. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Rosemary Mager and Judy Smith of Anna; a stepson, Dwight Boaz of Anna; two sisters, Grace Burd of Anna, Clara Purtle of Jacksonville, Fla.; and eight grandchildren.

Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home in Anna from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Anna United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Richard Sullins officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery.