Gerald Lee “Jerry” Bast, 87, of Arnold died July 29, 2025, at his home. Mr. Bast was an engineer for the U.S Army Reserve as well as a proud pipefitter of the UA Local 562, where he spent most of his career. He loved to spend time with family. He enjoyed projects like building homes for his children, an ice-skating rink, a swimming pool and many others; he always had plans for the next big project. He was known as an excellent gardener and nature was his happy place. He would love to plant things in a red Solo cup. He also was known as a natural comedian and loved to make others laugh. He enjoyed visiting Black River Lodge, square dancing, spending time out with the club, going to the hardware store and anywhere he could drive his Hoveround. Born Sept. 30, 1937, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Benedict and Bessie (Hodge) Bast.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Linda Bast, whom he married in 1957; three children: Deborah (James Rosenberg) Rosenberg, Gregory (Janet Bast) Bast and Cynthia Hernandez; six grandchildren: Amande Fujarte, Zachary Youngblood, Lance (Amy Schroeter) Schroeter, Tessa Rosenberg, Jeremy Bast and Brian Bast; eight great-grandchildren: Fransisco Youngblood, Guadalupe Fujarte, Isabella Fujarte, Rosalinda Fujarte, Gabriella Fujarte, Samuel Fujarte, Sofia Fujarte and Thomas Schroeter; two great-great grandchildren: Matthias Youngblood and Aurora Youngblood; a brother: James Bast; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Melvin Bast; and a son-in-law: Jorge Hernandez.
A service is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, in St. Louis County. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at St. Louis South County Church of the Nazarene, 2500 Telegraph Road. Arrangements are under the direction of Kutis South County Chapel.