William Bastian

William “Bill” F. Bastian, 92, of Lewisburg, left his earthly life at 2:20 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Riverwoods, Lewisburg PA. 

He was born July 15, 1931 in Sunbury, a son of the late Walter and Myrtle (Flexer) Bastian. On September 5, 1957, Bill married the former Constance “Connie” E. Wirt, who survives. 

Bill was a graduate of Sunbury High School, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Music at Susquehanna University and Master’s degree in Education from Penn State University. He earned a Bachelor of Divinity at Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1966.

He joined the US Army Airborne, serving from 1954 to 1956.  Bill served as a chaplain’s assistant.  He received an honorable discharge to teach.

Bill taught secondary education for Lewisburg, Milton, and Selinsgrove schools beginning in 1956.  Retiring from Selinsgrove High School in 1989.

He was a member at Dreisbach United Church of Christ, Lewisburg, where Bill was the fulltime Pastor from 1966-1974.  He also was the choir director for 50 years.

Surviving in addition to his wife Connie of 66 years, are two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Vicki Bastian of Weikert, and Timothy and Shannon Bastian of Hummelstown; one daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Marlin Lepley of Lewisburg; six grandchildren and their spouses, Amy and Seth Mylin, Jonathan and Janna Bastian, Emily and Scott Markley, Brandon and Carthy Lepley, Ryan Bastian, and Kelly Bastian; and two great-grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by one brother, Walter Bastian, Jr.

Bill dedicated his life to the Lord and in service to others through volunteer work with his church and with various organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Haven Ministry, Riverwoods, Tropical Storm Agnes cleanup, Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, Union County Historical Society, and Merrill Linn Conservancy.  He also worked with the American Red Cross including serving in Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina.  Bill and Connie’s commitment to marriage included serving as presenters for Marriage Encounter Weekends and for Encounter Renewals.

He was well known for his constant roadside and creekside cleanup in the Weikert area in later years.  Much free time and retirement were spent in Weikert including starting their married life there and living many years there in retirement.  Their early home in Weikert which they built was used as a cabin and finally a place to retire.  It was a place to entertain including welcoming foreign students in their orientation to America.

Some of Bill’s hobbies and leisure activities included gardening, birdwatching, walking, fishing, reading, card playing, creating artwork, and writing poetry.  To the very end he was known for his wonderful sense of humor and smile.

Bill will be forever remembered for his passion for music which extended to playing the piano, listening to music, singing for pleasure as well as singing in the Buffalo Valley Singers and Susquehanna Valley Chorale and for weddings.  Even as his memory declined, he played piano for Memory Care and other areas of the Riverwood’s campus.

He had a well lived life, having touched and bettered many lives around him.  Bill served the Lord and served those in need with a servant heart.  He wanted everyone to feel valued and included.  Bill was a gentle soul.  He found beauty in the simplicity of each day and the smallest task.  Wisdom and life lessons were gifts to his children and grandchildren.  

Bill devoted his life to his faith and his cherished family.   He was the foundation of his family’s faith and love.  

Family and friends are welcome on May 19, 2024, at Dreisbach United Church of Christ, 875 Dreisbach Church Road, Lewisburg, to a Celebration of Life at 2 pm, conducted by Rev. John Yost.  Visitation and refreshment to follow. 

Burial will be in Hironimus Church Cemetery, Weikert at a later date. 

Memorial donations in Bill’s memory can be sent to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or online at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/william-f-bastian-lewisburg-pa/

Arrangements are by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Road, Mifflinburg.

Leave your condolences online at www.rouppfuneralhome.com.