Laurel John Haas

Laurel John Haas, 87, peacefully passed away on June 3, 2023 in Harlingen, Texas. He was born to the late John Haas and Esther Scandridge Haas on November 11, 1935 on a farm in Ladora, Iowa.

Laurel was a 1954 graduate of Marengo High School in Marengo, Iowa. He joined the U.S. Army in October 1954 and served until being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1962. Specialist Haas served in the 516th Field Artilllery Battalion (5th Army) and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal-Germany and the Good Conduct Medal for his service in 1955-1956 at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Germany.

After completing his military service, Laurel married his high school sweetheart Phyllis Jean Gleason on November 25, 1956 in Marengo, IA and together they farmed for thirty-five years before retiring to La Feria, Texas. They would have celebrated their 67th anniversary this Thanksgiving. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Rio Hondo, TX, and more recently joined First Baptist Church in La Feria, TX.  Laurel was also a member of the Harlingen Rotary Club.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther S. Haas, and three sisters, Eunice Bean, Becky Disterhoft, and Marion Haas.

Left to treasure Laurel’s memory are his wife, Phyllis Jean Haas; his children, Kim (Chris) Jackson of Cedar Falls, IA, Tammy (Ruben) Atencio of Palestine, TX; grandchildren, Adam (Amber) Jackson of Bowie, MD, Mark (Amanda) Jackson who make their home in Indonesia, Daysha (Justin) Wells of Killeen, TX and Zach Atencio of Palestine, TX; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Alfie Jackson, Samuel Jackson, and soon-to-be Hannah Mae Wells.

Laurel loved to tell stories, joke with friends, and was “Mr. Fix-it”. He and Phyllis enjoyed many family summer vacations, and travelled extensively throughout the United States and Europe.

The family wishes to thank Laurel’s caregivers, Dr. Eduardo Flores, Tami Dittburner, ANP, Dr. Jay Walther, Dr. Ayala with the VA, and Dr. Mazzola..

A memorial service will take place Friday, June 9, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 208 S. Main Street, La Feria, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to honor Laurel with a memorial donation to East Iowa Bible Camp (http://loveeibc.org/donate) 1433 F52 Trail, Deep River, Iowa 52222.