Jerry Nelson Hass

Jerry Nelson Hass was born on February 16, 1934, in Maysville, OK, to Fannie Mae Rives and Charles Lee Hass, alongside his twin brother, Berry Hass. Jerry grew up traveling the United States while his father built many of the nation's dams. He spent much of his childhood on Spavinaw Creek, where he and his brother explored, had many adventures, and made lifelong friends. Jerry met Melba Oleta Ward of Salina and fell madly in love; they were married in Benton County, Arkansas, on November 21, 1952. They remained together for the next 72 years.

Jerry started his career as an ironworker at 15 years of age and was a member of the Iron Workers Union for 77 years. He joined the US Navy in 1952 and was stationed in San Diego, California. He served in the Korean War aboard the USS Wiltsie as a Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class. He was ordained as a minister on June 27, 1978, and served as a deacon at the Indian Free Holiness Church in Eucha for many years.

Jerry was known for his love of fishing and could often be found in the middle of Lake Hudson reeling in giant catfish. He also had a talent for woodworking, knife making, forging frog gigs, and building long rifles and primitive bows. He was an avid hunter who shared his love of the outdoors with his son, grandsons, and great-grandsons. He also had a magic recipe for growing giant tomato plants every summer. Jerry enjoyed playing his guitar and dobro, strumming out bluegrass gospel songs.

Jerry and Melba had three children: the late Bryant Lee Hass (and wife Teresa), Anita Marie Hass, and Melisa Jane Stricklen (and husband Kenny). He adopted a new daughter, Traci Salyers, who made his life very full during his last months with their daily talks about life and God. He is survived by his twin brother, Berry Hass, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond, and Berry's wife, Betty. He was blessed with grandchildren Valarie Taylor and Barry Reed, Matt and Emily Taylor, Jake and Stephanie Hass, Josh and Aimee Hass, Julio and Colbi Hass, Christopher and Karen Hass, Chelsey and Beau Bethard, Kody and Kate Conley, Seth Stricklen, Shaye and Dillon Manchelle, and Kaci and Maddie Stricklen, along with 24 cherished great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Oleta Hass; his parents, Fannie Rives and Charles Hass; his brothers, C.B. Hass and Kenneth Burchfield; his sister, Doris Jean Layton; his beloved son, Bryant Lee Hass; and his great-grandchildren, Addison and Zachary.

He is known as a “Great Man” by the many friends and family members he touched during his lifetime. His main goal in life was having a relationship with God and living what he believed daily. He witnessed to many people through his example of being a godly man and living a Christian life. During the last months of his life, he truly looked forward to going to his heavenly home to reunite with his bride. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to missionary Debra Sparkman at P.O. Box 5295 McAllen, TX 78502 or the Salina Public Library in Salina, Oklahoma.