SURFSIDE BEACH

Bennie John Bast, 89, passed away on July 20, 2026, peacefully at his home with family by his side.  Mr. Bast was born in Long Beach, California on June 22, 1937.  He is a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach.  He entered into the Armed Forces - Army Branch where he proudly served his country. Mr. Bast served as a Radar Technician at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.  After serving in the Army he worked for Westinghouse for over 30 years.  He started as an Electrical Engineer and retired as a Radar and Weapons Systems and Programs Director.  In California, he worked on the Polaris Missile system with Westinghouse and the USN. He then moved from California to the Pugent Sound area of Washington State as a project manager for a target Torpedo system for the USN and their submarines.  He was then reassigned to the Baltimore, Maryland area. There he was the Project Manager and Director for USAF and international radar systems for the F16.  He then retired from Westinghouse and worked in the Annapolis, Maryland area in his areas of interest and hobbies in the engineering field.  He then made a final retirement and moved to Surfside Beach, South Carolina.  He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He enjoyed surf fishing, gardening and a good cold beer!

He joined his late wife, Betty Bast, in eternal rest with our heavenly father. He is survived by his children, Robert Guillory, John Bast, and Andrea Baumgartner.  Ben has four grandchildren, Ashley Bast Anderson, Mitchel Bast, Ally Baumgartner Moore, and Logan Baumgartner.

We are comforted by the thoughts that it is not a forever goodbye, but a " See you later Poppy????"  -   "Righto"!!!!!!!!

Cremation Service Direct of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is assisting the private arrangements with his family.  A memorial service to honor Mr. Bast will follow at a later date.