Jerry L. Hassler

Jerry Hassler died on his 90th birthday, Oct 11th, 2026. He was at home surrounded by family and long-time friends. He died at 12:20 pm – the exact time that his beloved wife, Jude of 64 years, died four and one half years earlier.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Helen Hassler and brother and sister-in-law, Joe Gene and Bonnie Hassler.

He is survived by his daughter Cindy (Keith) Larkin; Ginger Huffstetler; Becky Hassler; and Michael (Meghan) Hassler. His grandchildren Joshua (Crystal) Huffstetler; Jacob (Preslie) Huffstetler; and BJ (Whitley) Huffstetler; Blake (Mariah) Larkin-Ewing; Claire Hassler and Alec Hassler, and an ever-growing number of great grandchildren and soon to be great-great granddaughter.

Jerry had a much respected nearly four-decade career in the Arkansas Air National Guard in charge of Base Supply. He retired in 1996 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. One of his esteemed colleagues said of him, "The Chief was one of the most capable Supply Technicians in the business. He had been prominent in our Supply activity for many years, and both full time and traditional Guardsmen looked to him for leadership and guidance in all the Supply matters regardless of what section they worked in. We really missed his friendship and leadership after his retirement."

Jerry was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church for almost 70 years. He was very honored to be chosen as one of the first Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

He and his long-time dear friends could be found on a golf course most every weekend for many years. Chances are, if you have ever lost a golf ball, you can likely find it hanging in his office with his collection of unique golf balls.

If you sat down with Jerry for any length of time, you were going to hear a story (or three) about quail hunting. Some of his most cherished memories were those he spent with his dad, brother, uncles, and dear friends out in those fields.

Jerry lived in the same house for 68 years, and one of his deepest desires was to die at home. We are so grateful to Mercy Hospice, especially Dr. Gaborni, his aide Donna and his nurse Shari. He felt so cared for, and we, as his family, felt so supported to have this option available to us for both our mom and our dad. We are also very grateful for his caregiver JoNell, for Monica who took great care of his home, and for his long-time dear neighbors who kept a close watch on his comings and goings.

The Visitation will be held Friday evening, October 16th at 5 pm and the Rosary at 6 pm at Edwards Funeral Home (201 N. 12th Street, Ft Smith). The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Oct 17th at 10 am at Christ the King Catholic Church (2112 S. Greenwood Ave, Ft Smith). His pallbearers will be his six grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, B.J., Blake, Claire and Alec.

Dad's memory will stand for itself. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in his honor, please donate to Christ the King Catholic Church or Mercy Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com