Robert “Terry” Bastian

Robert “Terry” Bastian, 80, of Pearlington, Miss., passed away on Thursday December 12, 2024 with unwavering love, care, and dignity, surrounded by family.

Terry was born on February 6, 1944 to parents Robert Six Bastian and Doris (Levan) Bastian. Terry attended Montgomery Area School District graduating in 1962.

Terry spent most of his childhood on the family dairy farm bordering the Susquehanna River. Starting at a young age, he began working on the farm at a time when horses were used to farm the land, milking by hand at 0400, and was involved from beginning to end with a chicken business with his Pappy and Grammer.

Terry attended Penn State University for one semester, realizing it wasn’t for him, shortly after Enlisted in the United States Air Force May 1964.

Terry spent more than 2 years in Vietnam, completing oner 45 combat missions. Accolades included statement from CO identifying him as “one of the very few outstanding airmen I know” and eagerly attempting to have him continue his career as a Commissioned Officer. Terry was honorable discharged in April 1969.

Terry returned to Muncy to Muncy, worked for Sprout Waldron and National Gypsum doing maintenance and acquiring excellent welding skills. While working Terry went to Williamsport Technical College earning an Assoc. Degree in Electrical Technology. He landed a job Air Products and moved to Georgia in early 1980’s. Terry traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad until 1992. Terry entered into the power industry in New Jersey, became maintenance manager in western Penna., and Chicago, then rose to plant manager in S. Paul, Minnesota. Finally retiring July 2005 to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

One month after retirement and the move to Pearlington, hurricane Katrina hit. Terry and Pamela persevered and built their home in 2006 with help from brother Rick and Keith. Living on a canal, Terry got back to one of his passions: fishing. Terry learned to love fishing from his Pappy at a young age going fishing in Canada. These trips were special to him. Terry also spent time woodworking. Spending many hours building furniture and turning beautiful pieces on lathe. His work second to none.

Terry and Pamela spent a lot of time the U.S. by auto and cruising by Terry’s second love “Wave Dancer.” the cruised the Atlantic from eastern Florida to the Gulf of Ms./La. He enjoyed traveling to all duty stations grandson Michael was assigned, starting with U.S. Air Force Academy.

Terry’s love of horses resurfaced in recent years, as he traveled to Wyoming to ride horses in the mountains with brother Keith and friend Jay. This brought much enjoyment and memories of the good ole days.

Terry was preceded in death by parents, Robert Six Bastian and Doris Emily Levan Bastian. Grandparents, William “Pappy” Bastian and Grace “Grammer” Bastian.

Terry is survived by longtime companion and wife of 24 years, Pamela M. Bastian. Brothers, Richard L. Bastian, and wife Judy, and Keith L. Bastian and wife Twila. Children, Billy J. Bastian and wife Kenya, and Nicole Bastian Hertzog and husband Steve. Grandchildren, Megan, Aly, Jenna, Jacob, Sadie, and Zoey. Grandson Michael D. Bastian and wife Caitlin, and great granddaughter Riley Anne. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A graveside service and interment with full military honors will take place at a later date at the Biloxi National Cemetery.