Dr. Hassell

Dr. Phillip Stewart Hassell, 64, of Independence, Texas passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13th, 2020 in College Station, TX. Phil was born January 10, 1956 in Houston, Texas to Beverly Williams. He received his undergraduate degree from Houston Baptist University, his Masters in Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary and his Doctorate of Ministry from Houston Graduate School of Theology. Phil spent most of his life in Houston as a bivocational pastor and police officer. He served at Rolling Creek Baptist Church and Northwest Crossing Baptist Church. Many life-long friendships were made during those years. Phil retired after 20 years from the Rice University Police Department to take a full-time pastorate at Independence Baptist Church, and became the Director of the Texas Baptist Historical Museum, where he faithfully served for almost 10 years. It was a perfect fit, satisfying both his love of pastoring and history. He loved life in Independence. He also loved his new role of grandfather. He couldn’t have been prouder of his granddaughter and grandson. Phil was preceded in death by his mother Beverly Williams and his brother John Hassell. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Leslie, son Paul Hassell (Gillian), daughter Jamie Waggoner (Justin), and his grandchildren Theodore Valentine Hassell, and Ella Grace Waggoner, as well as his sisters Ann Hubert (Chris), Terry Jennings (Bill), Candice Herman (Craig), numerous nieces and nephews and his faithful dog Odin.

There will be a public viewing Thursday September 17th, 2020, from 7am-7pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham Texas, with the family present from 5pm-7pm. Due to Covid concerns there will be a private funeral for family, and members of the Independence Baptist Church on Friday, September 18th, 2020 at 10 am at Independence Baptist Church, 10405 FM 50, Brenham Texas 77833, followed by a graveside service at the Old Independence Cemetery with Rev. Charles Cole officiating. Masks will be required at all events, and will be provided if needed.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider making a donation to the Independence Baptist Church Expansion Fund.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Dr. Phillip Hassell , please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.