Paul Frank Hackler

Funeral service for Paul Frank Hackler, 88, of Nacogdoches, will be at 1:00 PM on Monday, October 18, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will follow at Moral Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Laird Funeral Home. Rosary will be during the visitation at 7:00 PM.

Paul was born on December 13, 1932 the son of Fred and Connie Mae Petty Hackler.  He spent most of his childhood in the Gilmer area and began working on the pipeline at a young age.  He would occasionally stop in at a local diner where a young lady, Margaret caught his eye.  Although Margaret didn’t seem interested, he was adamant that she would one day become his wife.  In 1950, that is exactly what happened.  The two made a wonderful life together and with their children, Rosemary and Dyann.  They made their home in Houston in 1963.  Traveling with his job, he and Margaret made sure the children were able to see every tourist attraction in whatever area they were in.  The memories made were almost unbelievable but the experiences are worth more than anything.  Seeing the country was very enjoyable to each of them.  Paul loved Margaret without boundaries.  She and the kids made his life complete.  In 1997, Paul had to say goodbye to his precious wife.  Her passing was hard on him but he had retired and decided to continue his life in the small community of Moral, where Margaret’s family was originally from.  He returned to East Texas in 2000.  It was after he had settled in at his retirement place, that he revisited friends that he had long forgotten.  He and Joyce Montes became reacquainted.  They soon knew their friendship was more than that and they were married.  After 15 years of enjoying each other’s company, traveling to many places and spending their days with their families and growing a spectacular garden, Paul once again found himself saying goodbye to his sweet wife, Joyce.  She passed away after a lengthy illness which left Paul to spend his time with his precious granddaughter, Lacy.  They often would simply drive to see something interesting or to find the perfect spot to sit down for a meal.

Paul was a hard-working man who had great skills in many things.  He was a friend, a confidant and helpful neighbor to many.  Paul’s humor and wit was something most people were able to experience as he always had some funny thing to tease folks with.  He loved horses and early in his life, he spent many days with both Dyann and Lacy riding horses.  Some of their favorite memories were made in their original style wagon on trail rides.  The ladies were particularly happy about having a wagon with a potty!  Paul’s simple lifestyle, humor and love of family will forever be a part of the fondness that everyone who met him developed.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Dyann McManus of Houston; grandchildren, Lacy McManus of Nacogdoches, Courtnay Christensen & husband, David of Nacogdoches and Kinkaid McManus and wife, Tonya of Richmond; great grandchildren, Dacota Duren, Chase McManus, Alan Christensen, Matthew Christensen & Amara, Carson McManus and Parker McManus and great-great grandson, Liam Christensen.  Paul was privileged to have called Joyce’s children a wonderful addition to his children.  They include Gloria Montes & Joe, Bennett & Rhonda Montes, Eli & Becky Montes and Charles & Marsha Montes as well as their children.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who were dear to him.

Paul is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his girls, Margaret Montes Hackler; second wife, Joyce Montes Hackler; daughter, Rosemary McManus; son-in-law, Tommy McManus; grandson-in-law, Curtis Duren; and siblings, Curtis Hackler, Don Hackler, Bill Hackler and Doreen Poston.

Paul’s grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

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