Elmer Arthur Bassler, Jr., 93, passed away on September 19, 2023, at St. Andrew’s Village, a personal care home in Indiana, PA. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 25, 1930, to the late Elmer Arthur, Sr., and Maria Philomena (Fest) Bassler.
Elmer graduated from Bethel High School in 1948 and proudly served our country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, being honorably discharged in 1952. That same year, he also met and married the love of his life, Beatrice June (Alexander) Bassler, while stationed in Portland, Oregon.
Elmer attended Oregon State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1958, and then Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, receiving his master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1961. Immediately after graduation, he worked in the shipyards at Quincy, MA, on the USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25), the US Navy’s first nuclear powered frigate. He spent his professional career working for Westinghouse Nuclear Services in Monroeville, PA, retiring in 1992. In his free time, Elmer enjoyed playing cards and (when he was younger) bowling. Elmer was very active in his church, the West Newton Presbyterian Church, serving also as a lay minister.
Surviving Elmer are his children, Douglas (Melissa) Bassler of Searcy, AR; Stephen (Lynne) Bassler of Indiana, PA; Theresa Kellman of Loganville, GA; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by his loving wife Bea, who passed in 2018; a sister, Anna Marie Detig; and brothers Eddie and Raymond Bassler.
At Elmer’s request, all services will be private and have been entrusted to the care of the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, Indiana, PA.
To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.bowserminich.com
