Obituaries published from the Schuylkill County area.
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Charles W. "Wally" Bast, 71, of Lake Terrace Dr., Pine Grove, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021 in Orwigsburg Center.
Born on January 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 U.S. Navy veteran trained in Aviation Electronics and Communications. He deployed three times to the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34). He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 4 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 Dept. He later went on to be the Harrisburg Dist. Mgr. 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. & A.M. in Kutztown, Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #92 in Philadelphia, National Rifle Assoc. 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 step son 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 Bast 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 the 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 Rd. Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 in his memory.
The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements
Survivors
Son: Duane Buffington and his wife Tracey, Montoursville
Son: Lynn Buffington and his wife Bernadette, Spring Glen
Grandchildren: Brianna wife of Tyler Moyle, Nicholas and Rebecca Buffington.
Great Grandson: Arthur Moyle
Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins
A funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family with internment in St. Matthews United Church of Christ Cemetery.
Born in McAdoo, she was the daughter of the late George and Anna (Holic) Benko.
She was a member of Faith United Church of Christ, Hazle Twp.
Prior to retiring, Anne was employed by the Singer Sewing Machine Co., and last employed as a seamstress at the White Haven Center.
Anne was an accomplished artist, who enjoyed painting, and was a member of the Hazleton Art League.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were a son Ralph Cardamone; brothers Bernard, Clarence, John and George Benko; and sisters Margaret and Elizabeth Benko.
Surviving, are several nieces and nephews.
Her funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo. The Rev. Jane Hess will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Mt. Laurel Memorial Park, Hazle Twp.
Calling hours are Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.