Paul Hackler

Paul Hackler a former resident of McAlester passed away on Thursday August 15, 2024 at his home in Choctaw, OK after a long illness, he was age 79. Funeral Services will be held in Brumley-Mills Funeral Chapel on Saturday August 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home of McAlester. J.P. Hackler will be the Officiant. Casket bearers will be Richard Hackler, Rickie Hernandez, Jason Hackler, Cory Wilson, Ken Province and Shawn Sisco. Visitation will be on Friday August 16, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 8:00PM at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home.
Richard Paul Hackler was born March 1, 1945 in Wewoka, OK. to his parents Raymond and Lena Evelyn Hackler. Paul spent his formative years in Ada and graduated from Ada High School. After high school he attended East Central College in Ada. In 1963 he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard and later transferred to U.S. Army Reserves and attained the rank of Captain when he retired in 1977. He was a member of Retired Officers Corp. Paul moved to McAlester in 1970 and began his finance career at ABC Bank and completed Commercial Lending School at OU in addition to Intermediate School of Banking, Installment Lending School, Advanced Lending School at OSU. In 1974 he became a co-founder and charter member of McAlester Alcoholism Council. He served as Treasurer and director from 1974 to 1979. In 1979 he became Administrator/CEO of the Council / The Oaks Rehabilitative Services Center. Paul Retired from The Oaks in 2008 after 35 years of service as CEO. He served on many of the State of Oklahoma Substance Abuse Councils, Oklahoma Chemical Abuse Program Directors Association, Advisory Committee member and Oklahoma's representative in service for Treatment Improvement. Several years of service to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in various positions as well. Paul received the Harold Hughes Outstanding Rural Community in America award in 1992. During his time as Director, The Oaks received the Outstanding Treatment Program of the year award in 1991 from the Oklahoma Chemical Abuse Program Directors Association. He established the first treatment program for women and their dependent children in Oklahoma. He also was appointed by the Governor to the Southeast Oklahoma Planning and Coordination Board for Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence Services for 3 years. Paul was also an active member in his community and community organizations. He was past President of McAlester Lions' Club and a member of the McAlester Chamber of Commerce, Sertoma and Optimists clubs. Paul also served as a board member of the McAlester Sheltered Workshop as well as member of the First Christian Church.
Family survivors are his wife of 23 years Sylvia Sue Hackler of the home. Son Richard Paul Hackler II of Oklahoma City. Step-Daughter Tressa Wilson of Choctaw, OK. Step-son Rickie Hernandez of Mustang, OK. Sister Judy Pinley of Ada, OK. and brother J.P. (Pat) Hackler of McAlester, OK as well as 6 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He preceded in death by his parents Raymond & Lena Hackler and his two brothers Donald R. Hackler and Gene Hackler.