Nelson E. Bastin Sr.

1936 - 2025

Nelson Earnest Bastin Sr., currently of Lewis Center, OH, formerly of Sarver, passed away on August 2, 2025, at his home. Born March 3, 1936, in East Deer Township, he was the son of George P. Bastin and Elizabeth (Collins) Bastin. Nelson was a skilled heavy equipment operator, working for Walter & Haas, Walter "Trigger" Anderson, and Jerome Boehm. A devoted member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sarver, he took pride in helping build Heidi Hall at the church. A true family man, Nelson cherished time spent with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a familiar face sipping hot toddies at Freeport High School football games. Known for his sharp wit and endless trove of jokes, Nelson had a unique gift for bringing laughter to any room, leaving everyone with a smile and a good belly laugh. He had a passion for collecting model cars and construction equipment. In his later years, he proudly held the title of "#1 back seat driver," a master overseer who made sure things were always done the right way (also known as his way). Nelson also enjoyed western movies, cheering on Penn State, and watching Steelers games. Nelson is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joyce (Beers) Bastin; his children, Nelson (Christine) Bastin Jr. of Altoona and Shari (Bryan) Meade of Lewis Center, OH; one brother, George Bastin of Saxonburg; six grandchildren, Leah, Natalie, Shane, and Ivan Bastin, and Bryce and Elizabeth Meade; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Octavia Bastin; plus three step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, August Bastin, Emil Bastin, and Lloyd Bastin. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 409 Sarver Road, Sarver, PA. Funeral services will follow with Reverend Shawn Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Sarverville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul's Church at www.stpaulssarver.com or to SourcePoint at www.mysourcepoint.org/about. Arrangements were entrusted to the Fox Funeral Home, Inc. Saxonburg, PA. www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com