Warren Augusta Bastian, Sr.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

Warren Augusta Bastian, Sr. was born on August 28, 1932, in Wallace, Louisiana. He was one of six children, born to Anicet Bastian and Ernestine Harris Bastian. He was raised in a home filled with love and laughter, Warren and his siblings enjoyed the simple joys of childhood-playing softball and basketball, attending school dances, and participating in church activities.

On November 12, 1955, Warren married the love of his life, Augustine Jack Bastian. Their union was blessed with three children: Warren Jr., Stacey, and Gaynielle. Warren had a remarkably positive outlook on life, a quality he shared generously. He instilled this spirit in his children, nieces, nephews, and countless neighborhood kids who were drawn to his warmth and wisdom.

Warren was a devout Catholic. After moving to New Orleans, he became a member of Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, where he served for 70 years. His faith remained a cornerstone of his life. He especially cherished Psalm 23 and the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-12. From childhood, his Catholic upbringing shaped his character and deeply rooted him in the virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness...(Galatians 5:22).

Warren proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. After returning home, he utilized the GI Bill to become a licensed barber while also working as a rigger at Avondale Industries, Inc. Known for his strong work ethic, Warren earned the admiration of his colleagues and quickly became recognized as a natural leader. In an unofficial capacity, he also served as a recruiter, introducing many young men to the opportunities at Avondale. He was notably, one of the first, African Americans to serve on the Avondale Shipyards Fishing Rodeo committee. After forty-six dedicated years, Warren retired from Avondale, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and integrity.

In his personal life, Warren had many passions. He loved hunting, cooking, gardening, music, and fishing. A true craftsman, he made wine, canned fruit preserves, and pickled vegetables. As an urban farmer, he cultivated vegetables and sugarcane right in his backyard. He was also a founding member and officer of the Fishing Fifteen Social and Pleasure Club. Music brought him great joy- especially jazz, blues, and gospel- and he was a regular at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and other local music events.

At the age of 92, Warren transitioned peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the New Orleans Veterans Administration Medical Center. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom and joy- memories that will be treasured forever.

Warren is survived by his beloved wife, Augustine Jack Bastian; daughters Stacey and Gaynielle; four grandchildren: Elysia T. (Milton) Jones, Whitley B. Robinson, Evert Troutman, and Tayler B. Conway; and great-granddaughter Natalie Jones. He is also survived by his siblings Gerald (Florence) Bastian and Frances B. Willis; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; godchildren; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Warren Jr.; his parents, Anicet and Ernestine (Harris) Bastian; and siblings Anicet Jr., Claudette B. Vicks, and Hennessey Bastian Sr.

The family would like to invite family and friends to a public visitation on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Corpus Christi-Epiphany Catholic Church, 2022 St. Bernard Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visitation begins for 9:00am with Mass to follow for 11:00am. Interment Restlawn Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, 3540 US-90, Avondale, LA 70094. Arrangements of his final care entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE"