Charles E. Bast

CHARLES E. BAST Charles E. Bast, Past Master of Stichter Masonic Lodge #254, born October 2, 1916, died Monday June 3, 2013. He was born in Pottsville, PA. He was the son of the late Lewis I. Bast and Anna W. (Evans) Bast. He was married to Betty (Rhoads) Bast for 26 years (deceased), Florence Elliott for 19 years (deceased), and Bettie Pierce (deceased). At his death, he resided at Keystone Villa at Douglassville, PA. Mr. Bast graduated from Pottstown High School in 1934, Wyomissing Polytechnic in 1937, and continued his education at Montgomery County Community College, Penn State, and Ursinus College. Mr. Bast was employed as a Tool and Die Maker for Doehlar Jarvis Company, Stowe, for 46 years retiring in 1981. He was the owner of the Pottstown Engineer Company, a partner in Triangle Machine and Tool Company, and a broker for A Apple Real Estate, Pottstown. He was an avid reader, enjoyed competitive Bridge, and, when younger, an avid golfer. During his life, he enjoyed photography, Chess, travel, philosophy, and a good discussion. He was a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown. A 50-year member and Past Master Stichter Lodge No. 254 F and AM, Pottstown, Past High Priest of Pottstown Royal Arch Chapter Reading Consistory 32, Past President of Pottsgrove High Twelve Club, a member of Spring-Ford High Twelve Club and Fellowships High Twelve Club of Reading, Past President of Pennsylvania State Association of High Twelve Clubs, Past Chairman of Expansion Committee High Twelve International. He was instrumental in organizing six High Twelve Clubs in Pennsylvania. Mr. Bast was Charter Member, driver, and initial organizer North End Fire Company, and a Charter Member of the North End Swim Club. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard during peacetime and made ammunition during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was Chairman of the Douglass Berks Township Planning Commission for many years. Surviving family include two children, Susan Garrison of Astor, FL. Charles E. Bast II, Winston Salem, NC., three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother Lewis E. Bast. Memorial Services and Masonic Funeral Services by Stichter Lodge No. 254 F&AM will be held at Keystone Villa Community Room, 1180 Ben Franklin Hwy. E., Douglasville, PA at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 5. Burial will be private. There will be no viewing. Contributions may be made in his memory to the charity of one's choice or the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown. The Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, 359 King Street, Pottstown, is in charge of arrangements. Our web site exists to serve the friends and family of the deceased. Go to http://www.schumacherandbenner.com to extend sympathies and access additional service details.