Gilbert 'Gib' Hassler

Friday, April 13, 2012

Gilbert "Gib" Hassler, 83, of Brazil, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2012, following a long neurological illness, Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA).

Gib was born Nov. 15, 1928, in Reelsville, the son of Glenn and Pearl (Schroer) Hassler. Gib graduated from Reelsville High School with the class of 1946. During high school, he was a part of the basketball team that was later inducted into the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

After high school he graduated with a bachelor's degree in math and science from Eastern Illinois State University. He subsequently obtained his master's degree in education from Indiana State University.

Gib served in the United States Army as a seargent. He served in the Korean War as a G-2 Counter Intelligence Research Analyst at 8th Army Headquarters. Gib and Betty (Renner) Hassler married on June 4, 1954 at the Berean Gospel Temple in Indianapolis.

Gib started his career in education at Reelsville School, where he eventually served as principal. He then taught in the Terre Haute and Vigo County school systems, first at Woodrow Wilson Junior High, then at McLean Junior High, where he served as chairman of the math department. He retired from Chauncey Rose Junior High.

Following his retirement, he served for several years as an adjunct professor in math at Indiana State University.

He was also a representative of the Franklin Life Insurance Company.

Gib was a longtime member of the Berea Christian Church in Brazil, where he served as both deacon and elder. He was also a member of the Brazil Rotary Club.

Gib enjoyed spending his winters with his family at Cape Coral, Fla.

He is survived by his wife Betty (Renner) Hassler of Brazil; son and daughter-in-law Mark and Sally Hassler of Brazil; grandson Trevor Hassler and wife Samantha of Brazil; granddaughter Trace Hassler of Terre Haute; brothers Harold Hassler and wife Betty, Richard Hassler and wife Maxie and Julian Hassler and wife Sue; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Gib was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Geneva O'Connor and Louise Gray; brother Don Hassler; and his mother-in-law Mabel Renner.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 16 at Lawson-Miller Chapel with Pastor Tom Hess officiating. Burial will follow at Clearview Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be Sunday, April 15 from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SDF-MSA Support Group, 8311 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh, N.C. 27617.

Visit www.lawson-millerchapel.com to light a candle in his remembrance.