Lee died in Dallas, TX on April 6, 2019, due to complications from an aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease. He was born to Elmon L. and Dorothy T. Hassell in Detroit, Michigan, February 4, 1941. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, step-mother Barbara A. Hassell, grandparents, and various aunts and uncles. His loyal canine Hassell Pack (Crackers, Buster, Pumpkin, Ranger, and Boyd) also waited by the Rainbow Bridge for their favorite Frisbee thrower.
Lee is survived by his wife of 55 years, Suzanne (Sue) of Dallas, TX, daughters Christine Hassell of Frisco, TX, and Dr. Kathryn Hassell Sorenson and family (son-in-law Rev. Scot Sorenson and grandson Kai) of Sacramento, CA, sister Bonnie Stewart of Appalachacola, FL, and nephews Jon Tillery of Honolulu, HI, and Jason Tillery and family of Decatur, GA.
Lee graduated from Edwin Denby High School in Detroit, MI, in 1958. Earning his BBA from the University of Michigan in 1962, he was commissioned into the US Army at the same time. He was extremely proud of his service to this country where he became an Airborne/Ranger serving in the Airborne/Infantry in Mainz, Germany, and in the Ordnance Corps in Karlsruhe, Germany, and Cam Ranh Bay, Vietman. He left the Army in 1967 as a Captain. Returning to the University of Michigan he earned his MBA in 1968.
Moving to Houston, TX, in 1968, Lee started his career in the oil field services arena with Schlumberger, then with Baker Hughes and Anglo Energy. Having moved around Texas during that time, Lee and his family finally settled in Plano, TX, in 1982, where they remained until 2017. After moving to Plano, Lee started his own management consulting, firm in 1984, Hassell and Associates, concentrating in turnaround and crisis management situations, working with a variety of small- and medium-sized companies throughout Texas. Helping people and their businesses out of dire situations were accomplishments he was proud of and enjoyed. His philosophy was simple: “Always do more than expected.” And he did, ethically with honesty and integrity.
Most of all, Lee truly loved his family. He and Sue L’Heureux were married in Detroit in 1964. Seeing his grandson play soccer and baseball in California and Wisconsin brought back the fun memories of the high school sports Christine and Kathy participated in during their time in the Plano area many years ago. Trips with Sue and other family and friends, especially the cruises, were high on Lee’s list of priorities keeping loving ties together. Fun and laughter were key to gatherings, particularly when a good bottle of wine and great food were present. He always had time for a game of golf, until he couldn’t play anymore, and truly cherished that time with his friends. And always had time for a good joke!
Being a life-long Lutheran, Lee was always involved with his church. Starting as a President of the Detroit Area Luther League in the 1950’s, through the years he served in various capacities. He was a Charter Member of two Lutheran churches in Texas, Hosanna Lutheran Church in Houston and Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in San Antonio. More recently, Lee was also the President of Preston Meadow Lutheran Church in Plano.
A Memorial Service celebrating Lee’s life will be held at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church, 6801 Coit Rd., Plano, TX on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable contributions be made to the Parksinson’s Foundation, the Parkinson’s Voice Project, or the Building Fund of Preston Meadow Lutheran Church.
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