Site last updated: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Nelson Bastin Sr.

Bastin

Nelson Earnest Bastin Sr., of Lewis Center, Ohio, formerly of Sarver, passed away Saturday, Aug. 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 “No. 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; children, Nelson (Christine) Bastin Jr. of Altoona and Shari (Bryan) Meade of Lewis Center, Ohio; 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; three stepgrandchildren; and seven stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, August Bastin, Emil Bastin and Lloyd Bastin.

BASTIN — Visitation for Nelson Earnest Bastin Sr., who died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 409 Sarver Road, Sarver. Funeral services will follow with the Rev. Shawn Smith officiating.

Burial will be in the Sarverville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Church at www.stpaulssarver.com, or SourcePoint at mysourcepoint.org/about.

Arrangements were entrusted to FOX FUNERAL HOME, Saxonburg.

For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.

More in Death Notice

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS