Royce Eldon "Rusty" Hackler

Funeral services for Royce Eldon “Rusty” Hackler, 82, of Blum, will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2024 in the First Baptist Church of Blum with Rev. Kenneth Coleman and Pastor Jason Hardcastle officiating. Interment will follow in the Blum Cemetery. Levi Hardcastle, Brent Hackler, Britton Hardcastle, Cody Hackler, Branson Hardcastle, Stetson Allen, Camden Chumbley, Garrett Jess, Ryan Kauffman, and Zach Brown will serve as pallbearers. There will be a time of visitation for those wishing to have fellowship with the family from 6:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, May 12, 2024 in the Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home Chapel. 

Royce Eldon “Rusty” Hackler passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at his home in Blum, surrounded by loved ones. He was born to Roy Thurman and Minnie Marie (Runnels) Hackler on July 2, 1941 in Fort Worth. Rusty married Chryle Diane Jones on December 18, 1965 in Houston. They have been married for 58 years at the time of his passing. Rusty worked as an educator and coach throughout Texas, but most recently with Cleburne, Joshua and Burleson ISD. He had a love for teaching and coaching that was rooted deep in his character. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Blum. Rusty was a man of faith, who believed in providing for and always being the protector of his loved ones. His family was the center of his world and his presence throughout his children and grandchildren’s lives left an everlasting mark on not only them but the countless others who had the fortune of knowing him. Rusty never knew a stranger and would talk with and listen to anyone who would take the time to engage him. He always looked to connect with people by asking them any question that would connect him to their lives. Known to many as “Coach,” he enjoyed the game of basketball and loved teaching the fundamentals of the game even more. Rusty had a servant’s heart and was willing to give of his time, talent, and resources to anyone in need. On any given day you could find Rusty looking to drive people on a charter bus, or mowing his lawn, a neighbor’s lawn or your lawn. His strong will and loving nature will be missed greatly, but his legacy will live on in those who knew him. Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Thurman and Minnie Marie (Runnels) Hackler; great granddaughter, Hallie Raye Jess; and brother, J.W. Hackler. 

Survivors include his wife, Chryle Hackler; children & their spouses, Cindy & Mickey Cochran, Sissy & Jason Hardcastle, Russell & Cindy Hackler, and Tater & Patricia Hackler; grandchildren, Ashley Salcido, Valerie Jess, Reagan Brown, Macy Kauffman, Levi Hardcastle, London Allen, Britton Hardcastle, Brecklyn Chumbley, Branson Hardcastle, Brent Hackler, Cody Hackler, Tatum Hackler, and Izzy Hackler; great grandchildren, Makenzie Langston, Makenna Langston, Maddux Salcido, Jasper Brown, Harper Kauffman, Jet Allen, Lyric Allen, Oakley Hardcastle, Sage Hardcastle, Jade Hardcastle, Bear Hardcastle, Ember Hardcastle, Gehrig Chumbley, Emlyn Chumbley, Beau Hackler, and Brazos Hackler; siblings, Helen Hallmark, Wanda Rape, and Erlene Scott; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.