Raymond John Bastian

Raymond John Bastian, 86, of New Columbia, died Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg.

He was born July 17, 1930 in White Deer, a son of the late Richard and Ida (Prowant) Bastian. On September 15, 1951 he married the former Marina Taylor, who survives.  Together they recently celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Raymond attended Watsontown School's.  He served honorably as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War.  After his time in the service, he worked several years at Masonite and for 40 years at the Former Philco-Ford/Zenith, both of Watsontown.  He then retired in 1998 after a couple years working as a custodian at the Montgomery Area High School.

He attended the Watsontown Alliance Church.

Raymond was a lifetime member of the Clyde F. Mowrer American Legion Post 323, Watsontown, the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 171, Milton, and the Limburger Rod & Gun Club.

Earlier in life, Raymond was an avid hunter and enjoyed going to auctions and traveling with his wife.

Surviving in addition to his wife are one daughter and son-in-law, Dimity and Gary Strawser, of New Columbia; one brother and sister-in-law, Marlin and Joan Bastian, of Watsontown; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Betty Krick, of Lewisburg, Nancy Buck, of Watsontown and Penny and Dennis Confer, of Watsontown; two grandchildren, Erik Strawser and his wife, Stephanie, and Bryce Strawser and his companion, Jenna English; and four great-grandchildren, Vance, Nora and Austin Strawser, and Mckenna English.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Clarence and George Bastian.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Watsontown Cemetery, with the Rev. Donald Jones, officiating.

The family will provide the flowers and suggests contributions in Raymond's name be made to the White Deer Twp. Ambulance Service, 366 Cemetery Street, New Columbia, PA 17856.

The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, 308 Main St., Watsontown.

 Service Information