Maurice Glen (“Hack”)’s Story
Maurice Glen (“Hack”) Hackler, aged 95, passed away November 21, 2017. He was born in Cherryvale, Kansas, on August 14, 1922, to Guy and Mabel Henry Hackler, and later moved with his family to Tulsa, where he and his older brother were raised.
Hack was a member of the first graduating class of Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. Following his service, he was honorably discharged at the rank of first lieutenant. Hack then attended Oklahoma State University, graduating with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He married Robbie Elizabeth Lee Spence in Tulsa on July 19, 1945. Their two children were born in Wichita, Kansas, and the family subsequently moved to Norman in 1959.
Hack’s love of aviation, engineering, and problem-solving led him to a successful career with Cessna Aircraft, Aero Commander, Rockwell Aviation, and Gulfstream. Following his initial retirement in 1985, Hack accepted a civilian engineering position with the US Air Force at Tinker Air Force Base. He took great satisfaction in his years of work on the Jet Commander and the B-1B bomber.
His family and his home were of utmost importance to him; his quiet strength, sense of commitment, and humility provided them a strong foundation and example. He was proud of his military service as a B-17 bombardier navigator with the 303rd Bomb Group, completing thirty-five successful missions in the European theater in 1944-45. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a longtime, faithful member of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, where he and Robbie were active in the Two-In-One class.
Hack was predeceased by his loving and effervescent wife, Robbie, and his brother, LeRoy. He is survived by his daughter, Trudy Sickles and husband Don; son, Randy; and grandchildren Anne Maguire and husband Reed of Tulsa; Coral Amayi and husband James-Garrett of Cochise, Arizona; and Garrett Sickles of Denver, Colorado; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church Foundation.
A memorial service will be held at McFarlin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2017, with a reception to follow. The family will hold a private burial service at a later date.