Dennis C. Hasson

Dennis Charles Hasson, 72, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 following a long illness after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2009. Dennis was born in Columbus, Nebraska on May 17, 1942 to Edith and Robert Hasson. The family moved to Parsons, Kansas in the fall of 1949. Dennis graduated from Parsons High School in 1960 and Parsons Junior College in 1962. Dennis completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1964 from Pittsburg State University; Master of Science Degree in 1967 from Pittsburg State University; Education Specialist Degree from the University of Kansas in 1971 and doctoral coursework from Kansas State University.

Mr. Hasson was employed by U.S.D. 501, Topeka, Kansas for a total of 17 years as a high school math teacher, special education teacher, assistant principal, and special education administrator. Mr. Hasson was also employed by the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center (Greenbush, KS) #609 for 18 years. He was the director of special education for the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center for 14 years. In 1992, Mr. Hasson developed and organized the special education program for inmates aged 21 and under incarcerated in Kansas adult correctional facilities. Mr. Hasson served as the state director for corrections special education for four years and retired in 1996.

Dennis married Penny Sue Dennis of Parsons, Kansas in 1963. Two children were adopted during this union; Michael Sean Hasson (3/12/1968) and Melissa Jo Hasson (8/17/1970). Michael died in an accident in 1991. The couple divorced but remained friends.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Melissa Jo Owens (Jerry), Hendersonville, North Carolina; two brothers, Jerry Hasson (Kay), The Villages, Florida and Philip Hasson (Judy) Tinley Park, Illinois; and a sister, Phyllis Cheek (Ron), Palos Hills, Illinois. Dennis married Judith Kay Cutsinger in 1998. She survives. He is also survived by his step-daughter, Ann Ellebracht (Bradley), Columbia, Missouri. Mr. Hasson has two granddaughters, Kendall and Keegan Owens; two step-grandchildren, Delaney and Benjamin Ellebracht; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Prior to his illness, Mr. Hasson's hobbies included golf, dancing, reading, traveling, dominos, playing cards, gardening, and helping others.

A celebration of life funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2014 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka. Cremation will follow the service. Dennis will lie in state after 1 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. Private inurnment will be at the Hoyt Cemetery, Hoyt, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University Of Kansas Hospital Department Of Pulmonary Research, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160 or online at givetoku@kuendowment.org.

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