Robert “Bob” James Haase
Robert “Bob” James Haase, born October 20, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home in Grapeland, Texas, on the morning of August 28, 2026. A graveside service was held at Augusta Cemetery on September 2.
Bob was the son of Evelyn Mertz Haase and Herman Haase, both of whom preceded him in death.
He was also preceded in death by his daughter Jamie Johnston, his son Stacy Haase, and his siblings Jack, Tommy, Jimmy, and Mary Margaret.
He is survived by his wife Susan Haase, with whom he shared nearly five decades of marriage; his children Erin Haase, Cary Haase, and Nathan Haase; his grandchildren Jason Haase, Elizabeth Wilson, John Haase, Tamica Branaum, and Emma Haase; his great‑grandchildren Grant Haase, Luke Wilson, Annabeth Wilson, Willow Tweeten, and Alex Branaum; and his siblings Patty, Tim, Martha, Mickey, and Debbie.
Bob grew up in San Antonio and lived in Southern California, New Orleans, and Houston before retiring in Grapeland with Susan. Over the course of his working life, he held a variety of hands‑on roles.
He worked as a sausage maker in the family business, Mertz Sausage, spent time in a machine shop, and later owned and operated Bob and Susan’s Sandwich Shop, where he continued making sausage.
He also developed his own Texas chili recipe, an evolution of a family tradition that became a long‑standing part of his family’s Christmas Eve dinner.
A private pilot with a lifelong interest in aviation, Bob was an active member of the Commemorative Air Force and participated in airshows. He approached flying and aircraft maintenance with the same practical mindset he applied to everything else. Although he did not complete a college degree, Bob had an engineer’s way of thinking and used it throughout his life, whether maintaining the planes he flew or designing and building the home and barn where he spent his later years.
Bob was known for his dry wit, steady demeanor, and a constant supply of puns and dad jokes. He enjoyed understanding how things worked and took pride in building, fixing, and improving whatever was in front of him.
He will be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com.
