Ben Haas, Jr.

Ben Haas, Jr., age 74 of Temple, joined his heavenly father on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at a local hospital. Services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, February 26th at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with Rev. Stephen Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2:00 – 4:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Haas was born on May 22, 1943 in Taylor to Ben and Cora Haas. He attended school in Bartlett and Belton, graduating from Belton High School in 1961. He was a 1974 graduate of Temple College with an Associate’s degree in Management. He continued his lifelong learning by attending continuing education at both Texas A&M and Southwest Texas State and obtaining multiple ASE and other certifications. Growing up Ben spent many hours farming with his father. His passion for mechanics was spurred at an early age upon receiving his first tool set, that passion continued throughout his life. He started his professional career as a partsman, machinist, and mechanic for local shops and his own personal shop. In 1975 he settled in to his 23 year career as Auto Mechanics instructor at Temple High School. He also during this time taught at Temple College for 10 years sharing his knowledge with all ages. Retiring from teaching did not end his career as a mechanic as he went on to be part of the City of Temple team that maintained and serviced all police vehicles from 2002 to 2011. Ben possessed a thirst for knowledge, a keen intellect, an avid curiosity; he was a patient teacher, faithful friend, and an avid antique tractor collector with a passion for Oliver tractors. Ben was instrumental in bringing the Texas Early Days Tractor and Engine Association to Temple. He loved antique farm machinery and sharing this love with anyone who would listen. Most days you could find him in his shop restoring tractors, tinkering, or just enjoying the breeze with a Dr. Pepper and listening to Polka. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Peggy Haas; two daughters, Carolyn Millender and husband, Doug of Belton and Sheri Blattel and husband, Byron of Dripping Springs and son, Kevin Tolbert and wife, Catherine of Cedar Park and five grandchildren, Madison Blattel, McKenna Blattel, Jarod Tolbert, Jacob Tolbert and Roxie Millender. Also surviving is one brother, Mike Haas and wife, Sheila of Temple and one sister, Jacque Haas and partner, Trygve Aaby of Austin and numerous family, countless friends, former students, and loved ones.Pallbearers are Michael Millender, Blake Parker, Paul Malmin, Chad Haas, Jarod Tolbert, Jacob Tolbert, Richard Kilgore and Carlos Gutierrez.  Honorary pallbearers are all of the former students that he had the honor to share his passion for auto mechanics with throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may made to the Scott & White Vasicek Cancer Treatment Center.