Joseph M. Bassett

Joseph M. Bassett, age 79, a well known and respected area businessman died in his Sylvania home surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Joseph and Rose Bassett in Toledo, OH. He was an Army veteran who served honorably during the Korean War. Joe along with his wife Pat, owned and operated Bassetts Health Food Stores from 1969 to the present. Joe was trained and certified in several fields including Polarity, Iridology, Massage Therapy, Reiki, Applied Kinesiology, Nemenhah Medicine Man, and a Nutritional Education. Joe was also a Certified Instructor in; Touch for Health, Iridology and Massage Therapy. Joe was also a Naturopathic Medical Doctor NMD, and a Doctor of Machanotherapy DM. He was a founding member of the National Institute of Nutritional Education, President of the Mid American Health Assoc., and Chairman of Citizens for Health and a National Health Freedom Board Member. Joe was a talk show host on WSPD for many years with his program Nutritionally Speaking. Joseph Bassett was a pioneer, championing the rights for health freedoms. One of his biggest accomplishments was to coauthor DSHEA with Senators Hatch and Harkin in 1994. This bill has continued to protect health freedom at the highest level. Without this bill we would all be unable to purchase vitamins, mineral, supplements, herbs, etc without a prescription. Without the passage of this bill we would have fallen under the auspices of Codex and our country would be a different place. Joe attended Devilbiss High School, The Ohio State University and the University of Toledo. He was an outstanding wrestler in high school and college and was an accomplished ballroom dancer. Joe enjoyed playing tennis, badminton, bridge and attending the opera. He was a great friend and competitor to all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia Bassett Martin, children Joseph, Jr., Charmaine Bassett Trimm Mark and Sabrina Early Jeff, brother James Bassett, seven grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gerald Bassett. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 2 to 9 pm with the service at 7pm at Walker Funeral Home 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, OH. 419-8412422. Burial is at Ottawa Hills Cemetery Monday, June 11, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to http://www.nemenhahpress.com/ click on Joseph M. Bassett Memorial Fund.