of West Memphis, AR
August 8, 1930 - January 9, 2022
Lewis Elves Bastel, born on August 8, 1930 of West Memphis, AR departed from this earth Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, TN. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Irene Bastel and his wife of 44 years, Dolores Bastel.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Michael (Kellye) Bastel of Austin, AR; his daughter Melissa (Tommy) Ward II of Spring Hill, TN; his granddaughters Peyton (Trey) Little of Roswell, GA, Jillian Ward and Natalie Ward, both of Spring Hill, TN; his sister Peggy Ann Barlow of Piggott, AR and brother, Jerry (Linda) Bastel of Paragould, AR; his brother-in-law, Jerry Bobeck of West Memphis, AR. He also leaves behind his beloved cat ''Tigah''; nieces, nephews and a multitude of very special friends.
After graduating at Pleasant Plains High School, Lewis joined the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. He loved his country and was the definition of patriotism. He spent his civilian career in the automotive industry and retired from Bluff City Buick. Upon returning from the war, he married Dolores Allene Bobeck. Lewis was a devoted father and genuinely loved being a ''Daddy.'' He was equally dedicated to his role as ''Pap'' and never missed an opportunity to brag on his favorite girls.
While he was a proud grandfather and undoubtedly shared pictures if you encountered him, he spent a great deal of time taking care of all the stray cats of West Memphis. He would appreciate your efforts in continuing to feed these kitties if you are in the area. Lewis was a licensed pilot and lover of all things aviation, you could find him at the airport most any given day. In fact, for 14 years he served on the Airport Commission and was instrumental in many improvements that were made. Also in his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with fellow veterans at the VFW where he was commander in chief for multiple terms in his younger days.
A time of gathering will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 10:30am until 12:00pm and the service will begin at 12:00pm at the Roller Citizens Funeral Home, West Memphis, AR. Interment immediately following at Crittenden Memorial Park.
Memorial donations can be made to the West Memphis Animal Shelter to honor Lewis' passion for the four legged friends.
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18 Condolence(s)
Jane Russell
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Missy I knew I hadn't seen your dad in awhile. He always stopped by for a hug and to talk about the stray kitties over on Dover. Just learned today of his passing. For Lewis: Be at peace my dear friend and I hope you are enjoying looking after all the stray kitties up there in heaven.
Brian Shelton
Friday, February 11, 2022
Michael,
Sorry to read this. Your father was a grand man, and took me flying a few times when I lived over there.
Mickey and Sharron Littlejohn
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Lewis. We had a lot of good times with him at the VFW State Conventions through the years.
Mickey and Sharron Littlejohn
Stacey Morris
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
I have not been at the airport lately as much as I used to be and was not aware that Lewis had moved to Mufreesboro. A great guy, always interested in doing whatever he could to improve West Memphis airport. Lewis and I spent a lot of time at Airport Commission meetings sitting next to each other. He was there even when not on the Commission and ready with advice to help in any way he could. Lewis will be missed. Prayers for his family.
Chris Shoemake
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Missy, Tommy and Grand Girls, and Missy's brother, Mike.
I am sorry for your loss, because I know from my own experience of the loss of my loved ones in my life the unexplainable void you are left with. Life is a cycle and has it's seasons. Mr. Bastel lived a long life compared to many others. As little as I knew him, I saw his love for all of you. Yes, you will miss him as you've already begun to know that feeling. You all loved him and gave him much Joy when you all came to visit through the years and as he watched those grandchildren grow and become adults. Your ties to this area are becoming less, but because you were raised here you will return now and then and will recall your treasured memories of your time spent with your Daddy, your Pap and even those other three grandparents. May God and his children, your family and friends be of comfort to all of you as you prepare to live life without Pap in your presence. Sincerely, Chris Shoemake
Jim Robbins
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
I will remember our formation flights to Sunday morning breakfasts at Stuttgart, AR. You were a good friend and a fine fellow. Rest In Peace!
Karen Alpuente
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Mike and Missy: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your father was such a sweet man.
Paula House Miller
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
I got to know Lewis when he would come and feed the many cats behind Dover Road where my Mother lived. He was so determined to give them the best care that he could. When my Mother passed away in May of 2020, I went by his home to let him know that I would not be coming to visit anymore and as usual he said I’m still feeding them. Thank you Lewis for caring for the unwanted! RIP!
Gail May
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
So sorry for your loss. He was such a nice person. Always so cheerful.
Bill Jackson
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
An awesome great friend! Going to miss you and all the quality time we had at the airport. And especially the long talks about aviation and cats. Bill & Loretta.
Brian & Velva Pecon
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
One of our favorite aviation Cessna 310 friends. He will be forever missed.
Nina McGlinchey
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Missy - Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Tommy & the girls on losing your Daddy. I have such fond & fun memories of Lewis! He knew & loved everyone, but was always true to himself. You never knew what he might say. I loved him immediately. He was just one of those people! He will be missed by anyone who knew him.
Gary Hillis
Monday, January 10, 2022
Lewis was a member of our old EAA aviation chapter out of Jonesboro. He will be missed by his aviation family.
virginia brock
Monday, January 10, 2022
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBER AS THE BEST FROM RYAN CHEV. AS THE BEST SALESMAN AND MY FRIEND.SENDING PRAYERS.
Jerry D. Bobeck
Monday, January 10, 2022
Be At Peace My Friend. Condolences to Other Family Members
Mark Warren
Monday, January 10, 2022
He was a wonderful friend and will truly be missed. His character and friendship left an indelible mark on me.
Love,
Mark & Joy
Kim and Betty Kay Sellers
Monday, January 10, 2022
Active, helpful and interested, a life well lived! Thinking of all he loved and those who loved him today.
Carla Richardson
Monday, January 10, 2022
I was greatly saddened to see that Mr Bastel passed. I used to work at the shelter in West Memphis and Mr Bastel and I had many talks about his kitties. He was always worried about them. The cats will definitely miss him.