Dr. W.F. (Boy) Hasskarl, Jr.

Dr. W.F. (Boy) Hasskarl, Jr., 91, of Brenham and widower of Johnnie Hasskarl passed away Saturday, August 9, 2008 at his residence. W.F. “Boy” Hasskarl died as he lived, surrounded by people who loved him dearly.

Boy Hasskarl was born in Brenham, Texas on July 6, 1917, and attended Brenham schools. Especially important to Boy were summers spent at Camp Stewart in Hunt, TX. After graduating from Brenham High School in 1935, Boy took his pre-med classes at UT in Austin. While attending UT he was active in such organizations as the Texas Cowboys and Kappa Sigma fraternity. He was elected Vice-President of the student body and was very involved in all intramural sports. Boy continued to serve UT on numerous alumni boards and councils. He received his medical degree from the UT Medical Branch in Galveston and went on to a four-year surgical fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. During the Korean War, Dr. Boy served as a flight surgeon in the US Air Force and upon returning to Brenham, he established a medical office with his father and family friend, Dr. Thomas Giddings. This office grew into the Brenham Clinic where Dr. Boy practiced medicine for fifty years. He was elected to the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons and the Texas Surgical Society. He found time to serve as a county health officer for 20 years and was elected mayor of the City of Brenham in 1968. During his two terms as mayor he accomplished a great deal, particularly the transition to a city manager style government, which paved the way to progress and industrial growth in Brenham. Boy took great pride in the rich history of Brenham and Washington County and served this beloved community in various capacities throughout his life. He was particularly passionate about Brazos Valley-Brenham Hospice, American Red Cross, area heritage societies and museums, Brenham Country Club, and most recently, the Save Our Simon Campaign.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Boyle Hasskarl, son-in-law Pat O’Malley, parents, W.F. and Dora Hasskarl, and sisters, Ruth Robertson, Esther Strauss, and Dorthea Niemeyer.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law John and Lori Hasskarl of Brenham, daughter and son-in-law Joan and Ron Smith of Sugar Land, daughter Ann O’Malley of Brenham and daughter and son-in-law Lee and Mark Evans of Sugar Land. Grandchildren are Amy Brink and husband, Daniel, Kacy Kuespert and husband David, Carrie Templeton and husband Parker, Erin Williford and husband Rob, Barrett Harrison, and Joshua, John and Julie Evans. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren.

Dr. Boy’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive visitors at Brenham Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, August 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM with services to follow at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, August 13, at the Brenham Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Brazos Valley-Brenham or a charity of your choice.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com