Melvin L. Bast, 89, of Herculaneum died on Oct. 3, 2024, at Scenic View Nursing and Rehabilitation in Herculaneum. Mr. Bast was a former medical tech and certified nurse’s aide. Known for his dedication, he was active with the Boy Scouts serving as a leader and he also spent many years with the Lion’s Club holding multiple offices including president. Born Dec. 13, 1934, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Bessie (Hodge) Bast.
He was preceded in death by his companion: Vernie Gorsuch.
He is survived by four children: Terry (Artelelia) Bast of Antioch, Ill., Michael (Christine Klein) Bast of Mansfield, Texas, Kevin Bast of St. Louis and Billie (Robert Hampton) Huggins of De Soto; two siblings: Gerald (Linda) Bast of St. Louis and James (Karen) Bast of Fenton; five grandchildren: Rebecca, Shawn, J.P., Seth and Veronica; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at noon Saturday, Oct. 12, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Fredericktown. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.