Philip J. Haas, Jr. has gone to be with our Lord. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, November 17th with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m., both at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Funeral Mass will be officiated by Monsignor John McCaffrey at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Monday, November 18th, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
He was the son of Hulda and Philip J. Haas, Sr., born August 23, 1935 in Galveston, Texas. He grew up in Hearne and graduated from Hearne High School in 1953 where he played clarinet in the band. He organized and played clarinet in a dance jazz band with friends from high school called "5 Flats and a Sharp" who performed around Texas.
He was in the A&M Corps of Cadets, Fish Band, Class of 1957 and graduated with a degree in Construction Science in 1958. He later earned his Architect's seal and certification. He worked 32 years for the state of Texas including 30 years with his beloved alma mater, Texas A&M University with the System Facilities and Planning Division from 1970-2002. Throughout his career at Texas A&M he witnessed tremendous growth on the front line overseeing a total of 89 projects.
Phil was a faithful servant of God serving in Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, a charter member of the Aggie KC and 11759 Knights of Columbus organizations. He served as Grand Knight of 11759 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Phil volunteered in numerous other church groups and activities over his lifetime. God, his church and his faith were his anchor while mentoring people of all ages over his lifetime. He treated everyone with the same respect no matter what their rank, position, background, or beliefs.
He served active duty in the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers upon graduation and commissioning from Texas A&M in 1958. In 1960, he returned to civilian life full time and served his country part time for over 35 years in the U. S. Army Reserves while rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel before retiring.
He loved traveling and was able to visit Ireland, Italy, England, France, Germany, Austria, and take a cruise in the Caribbean with his beloved wife.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Hulda and Philip J. Haas, Sr., his sister Marlene Haas Wade Allen, his in-laws, Frank and Frances Scanlin, his brother-in-law Lt. Ronald Wade, his sister-in-law Beatrice Scanlin Speckman (John), brother-in-law Curtis Allen, Rosemary Allen, niece and Godchild, infant son Michael Thomas Haas, and oldest son Philip J. Haas III.
He is survived by the love of his life and bride of 62 years, Jo Ann Scanlin Haas. They shared a deep Catholic faith while raising a large, loving family. It was their faith that brought them together on a church CYO trip where they were both chaperones and their faith that remained constant through his journey to his heavenly home. On a wink and a prayer Philip won her heart and the rest is history.
Family was Philip's passion and he was the kind of father, grandfather and great grandfather that God intended every child to experience.
Their blessed union brought them eight children, Cindy Haas Davis (Mack), Pam Haas Blackmon (John), the late Philip J. Haas III (Suzanne Benavides), Frank Haas (Carmen Chapa), Greg Haas (Judi Patranella), the late infant Michael Thomas Haas, Sharon Haas Greer (Mike), and Jeff Haas (Robin Pope). They have 15 grandchildren: Melissa Burbules Sonley (Keniey), Michele Blackmon Gray (Bryan), Peter Burbules (Thessa Roper), John Blackmon (Becky), Diana Burbules Hines (Kevin), Casey Burbules, Christopher Haas, Benjamin Greer (Moriah), Madison Haas Pensado (Ruben), Christina Haas, Matthew Greer, Kaylea Haas, Mackenzie Haas, Zachary Haas, Jacob Greer. They have 15 great grandchildren: Kosta Sonley, Jonas Sonley, Noah Burbules, Tristan Grace Hurley, Alex Gray, Lucy Burbules, Angela Gray, Sophia Hines, Lily Hines, David Greer, Philip Greer, Titus Greer, John Greer, Samson Pensado and baby boy Greer on the way. Besides his 30 grandchildren and great grandchildren he is survived by sister-in-law Theresa Scanlin Walker (Rick), brother-in-law Joe Scanlin (Pat) and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.
The family would like to thank Hospice Brazos Valley and Crossroads Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hearne for the loving care they gave our father and spouse over the last few months. The family would also like to thank his faithful, spiritual friend, George Geronime, who gave him communion while he was in the nursing homes.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, Parkinson's Research Fund, St. Joseph Catholic Church or Texas A&M Former Students.
