William Edward Bastable

William Edward “Bill” Bastable, 89, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026. Known to his grandchildren as “Grandpa Willy” or “Papa,” Bill lived a life full of creativity, curiosity, faith, and a wonderfully quirky sense of humor.

Bill was born on March 16, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. The son of Ethel and Wilmer Bastable, he grew up in Chicago and attended Louisiana State University. A proud LSU alumnus, he remained a devoted Tigers fan throughout his life, always ready to cheer them on.

Bill built a career in aerospace engineering with Lockheed Martin Vought Systems (LTV). During his work at LTV Aerospace, he contributed to the team behind the historic 1985 satellite intercept mission—an accomplishment that reflected his technical skill and the remarkable work he helped bring to life.

Retirement never meant sitting still for Bill. He continued working with Ross King Company, a pipe organ builder, as well as Trinity Methodist Church and Westlake Hardware. He also participated in the Arlington Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy in 2002. Whether at work, at church, or in his garage “piddling around”, Bill liked having something to do and something to create.

An incredible artist and woodworker, Bill used his talents to make things that mattered to others. Each Christmas, Bill shared his artistic talents through his hand-drawn Christmas cards, a tradition that friends and family came to know and love. Many saved and collected them year after year, treasuring both his artwork and the personal touch that made each card unmistakably Bill’s. His wooden crosses, lovingly made for his church family, were especially meaningful expressions of his craftsmanship and faith. He was a faithful member of Trinity Methodist Church, where he met Barbara, whom he married on September 5, 1992. Together, they shared 34 years of marriage. Bill served his church for decades as a Stephen Minister and usher coordinator.

Away from his work and service, Bill enjoyed golf, LSU sports, and the companionship of his beloved pets, especially his cats, Jazzy and Classy. He also had a lasting affection for McDonald’s, always better known to him as “Mickey D’s.”

Those who knew Bill will remember the little things that made him unmistakably himself. Any scrap of trash could become a basketball, crumpled into a ball so he could take his shot at the nearest trash can. Dessert was enjoyed half at a time, then half of the remaining half, and then half again, until somehow it was all gone. Bill had a gift for making people feel loved through humor and had his own sayings and jokes for the people he loved. Those familiar words, his playful habits, and the things he made with his hands will remain treasured reminders of who he was. And whenever he announced he was going to “check the weather,” his family knew the forecast might come with a little unexpected wind.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Wilmer Bastable; his sister, Mary Bastable; his granddaughter, Frances Paige Bastable and grandson, John Scott Bastable; and his great granddaughter Syndey Rae Rasco.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Bastable; his daughter, Rae Johannes, and her husband, Brian; his son, Scott; his stepdaughter, Krista Grant, and her husband, Micah; and his stepson, Brent Leyerle. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Randal Burkett, Kristen Schrimpf and her husband, Seth, Courtney Rasco and her husband, Morgan, Noah Grant, and Ruthie Grant; and his great-grandchildren, Cameron Burkett, Shelby Michaud, Preston Schrimpf, Mason Rasco, and Caden Rasco.

A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Stephen Ministry at Trinity Methodist Church in Arlington, honoring the ministry he faithfully served. An online giving link is provided below.

Bill will be deeply missed and remembered with love, laughter, and gratitude. His family will carry him with them in every familiar saying, every piece of artwork, every wooden cross, and perhaps every well-aimed shot into a trash can.