Charles W. "Wally" Bast

1950 - 2021

Charles W. "Wally" Bast, 71, of Lake Terrace Drive, Pine Grove, passed away Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Orwigsburg Center.

Born on Jan. 20, 1950, in Pottsville, he was the eldest of four children born to the late Charles W. "Sonny" and Lois L. Ney Bast.

Wally was a 1968 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School. He attended the University of California-Berkley and Penn State University, earning an A.S. in community services and a B.S. in administration of justice.

Wally was raised in the Lutheran Faith at Christ Lutheran Church in Schuylkill Haven. Most recently, he attended the Pine Grove Community Church.

He was a Navy veteran trained in aviation electronics and communications. He deployed three times during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34). He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/four stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal-Korea, Meritorious Unit Citation w/1 star, and the Navy Battle "E."

Wally had a long career in law enforcement and held positions of detective and sergeant with the Kutztown-Maxatawny Twp. Police Department. He later went on to be the Harrisburg district manager for the PUC Motor Carrier Enforcement Division and a field agent for the Pa. Parole Board. He served as a constable and part time officer for several police departments. During his career, he was awarded with letters of appreciation, commendations and awards for his work.

He was a life member of the American Legion Post 38 in Schuylkill Haven, VFW Post 3975 in Auburn, Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 29 in Port Carbon and the Penn State Alumni Association. He was a past secretary of the East Ward Social Club in Schuylkill Haven and was a member of Huguenot Lodge 377 F & AM in Kutztown, Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 92 in Philadelphia, National Rifle Association and the Tulpehocken Rifle and Pistol Club in Pine Grove.

Preceding him in death were a brother, Steven E. Bast, and a sister, Barbara R. Bast.

Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Linda L. Cann Bast; a stepson, Terry M. and wife, Denise Rowe, of Melbourne, Australia; four granddaughters, Elyse and husband, Daniel Lambert, Jasmin, Arawyn and Amira, of Australia; a brother, Michael P. and wife, Lori Bastm of Tremont; nieces and nephews.

All services will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Bob Kensinger officiating. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Pine Grove Community Church, 83 Pleasant Valley Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963, in his memory. The H.L. Snyder Funeral Home Inc., Pine Grove, is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com.