Aubrey (Bill) E.Bastian

Bill Bastian, 91, of Mexico, died Friday evening, Sept. 27, 2013, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Mo.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, at Pickering Funeral Home in Mexico with Rev. Karen Taylor officiating. Visitation will begin at Noon with service beginning at 1 p.m.

Mr. Bastian was born Sept. 16, 1922,on a farm outsideMonroe City, Mo., the son on Thomas Calvin and Sarah Rachel (Morris) Bastian. On Nov. 1, 1942, Bill married Martha J. Dawson, of Paris, Mo. in Palmyra, Mo. shortly before departing for military service in WWII. Bill served as an Armycombat medic in the 103rd Infantry Division through 500 miles of combat via France, Germany, Austria, and Italy helping liberate Dachau prison camp along the way. After the war, Bill worked asa sales representative for Kraft Foods for 36 years before retiring in 1985. Bill enjoyed gardening, traveling, and playing golf with friends and was a member of the Mexico United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, and the Mexico Country Club.

He is survived by one daughter, Nancy Berrigan and husband Dennis, of Boyds, Md.; one son, Bob Bastian and wife Gayle, of Raymore, Mo.; a sister Deana Miller of Fairfax. Va.; two grandsons, Jason, of Grandview, Mo., Brent and wife Abigail, of Lee's Summit, Mo. and three great-grandchildren, Ryder, Ben, and Audrey.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Bastian was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Russ, Cecil, and Morris Bastian; and one sister Evelyn Hughbanks.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Mexico United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.