Eugene Herbert Hassler

Reverend Eugene Herbert Hassler, 82, of Gulfport, a loving husband, father, and friend passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at Woodland Village Nursing Center in Diamondhead. He was born on December 31, 1931 in Tacoma, WA. For over 50 years Reverend Hassler was a shepherd to many, faithful to counsel, to love, to pray and preach the word of God. He had a compassion for lost souls, for the lives of those who needed Jesus and for the homeless. He was the hands and feet of Jesus pouring his heart out into their lives. These selfless acts put God above all else and others before himself. His love was unconditional, his wisdom coveted, and the love he had for the word of God infectious. He changed people’s lives because he truly cared and his caring came with actions that made a difference. He walked the walk alongside of those who needed him. He was there always. Whether you had nothing or everything he always left you with something as he gave all of himself in selfless acts of love. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce Hassler; his parents, Herbert and Katherine Hassler; and his sister Bernice Jennings. He is survived by a son, Billy Hassler of Sunnyside Washington; daughters, Peggy LeBoeuf of Lagos, Nigeria, Cathy Smith of Gulfport, Darla Kinsey of Gulfport; sisters, Louise Calkins, Marjorie McConnell; brothers, William Hassler and Larry Hassler. He will be missed by his eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. The family of Reverend Hassler would like to express special thanks to the nursing staff of Woodland Village Nursing Center for the exceptional care and consideration for our father and our family. The funeral service will be held Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 6:00 P.M. at the First Assembly of God Church, 2600 22nd Avenue, Gulfport where friends may visit beginning at 2:00 P.M. until the service. A private graveside service will be held Monday, October 6, 2014 at Biloxi National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be mailed to will the family at 2101 24th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 to the “Feed My Sheep”, a faith based program dedicated to feeding the homeless. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com