Fred Haas

Fred Haas, iconic Houston automobile dealer, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, the 1st of June 2023 at the age of 93. Fred was born in Port Arthur, Texas, on the 3rd of May 1930, to Fred and Mattie Haas.

A talented and passionate athlete in high school, Fred learned the value of hard work and commitment as an All-State halfback for Port Arthur Jefferson High School. Recruited by multiple universities to play football in college, Fred chose the University of Houston, where he made his mark on and off the field as a proud Cougar.

After college, Fred married the love of his life, JoAnn LeBlanc. A young husband and father, he was motivated to start his own business and became a Maytag appliance dealer in Orange, Texas, at the age of 22. He quickly turned this company into one of the most successful in Texas, winning numerous awards for sales and outstanding customer service, qualities that would be the hallmark of his business career.

In search of his next business venture, Fred was convinced by a friend that he would be great in the automobile industry. From then, a car dealer was born. After honing his automotive skills in Corpus Christi and Austin, Fred turned his attention to the growing Houston market where he became the number one selling Pontiac salesperson in the nation. In 1970, his dream to have his own dealership became reality when he partnered with his lifelong friend Tony Gullo to open Gullo-Haas Toyota which emerged as one of the most successful Toyota dealerships in the country for over 20 years. Fred was thrilled to eventually have his three sons join him in the business.

A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Fred was a mentor and leader to his family and the thousands who knew and worked with him for the 63 years he dedicated to the industry he loved. He will be remembered for his unique ability to motivate, teach, and inspire others.

He spent equal time and energy building a great family. Despite his demanding schedule, Fred always made time for his children and grandchildren. He faithfully attended their athletic events, cheering their teams, and connecting with families in the stands. Outgoing and adventurous, Fred traveled the world, exploring national parks, hunting, fishing, skiing, and creating lifelong memories with his wife and children. He made friends wherever he went and encouraged his sons to build lasting relationships. When it came to business, he held equal regard for his customers and employees. He would say that while nothing replaces great customer service, “our employees come first; if they are happy, the customers are happy.”

Under his leadership, Fred Haas Toyota World, Fred Haas Toyota Country and Fred Haas Nissan have flourished into a generational family-owned business. The business has more than 600 employees who embrace Fred’s work ethic and dedication to excellence, customer service, and community.

Fred was an active member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church and faithfully attended services at Lakeway Church when visiting his Lake Travis home. Over the years, he also continued to be a loyal Cougar fan, attending games and supporting the University of Houston with generous contributions to enrich his alma mater.

Fred Haas is preceded in death by his siblings, Edgar Haas, Michael Haas, and Virginia Hall. Fred is welcomed into heaven by wife JoAnn and his loving daughter-in-law, Dorothy "Zabet" Haas. Left to continue his legacy are sons, Jeff Haas and wife Donna, Mark Haas and Steve Haas; grandchildren, Bryan Haas and wife Kelli, David Haas and wife Angelica, Natalie Haas, Nicholas Haas; and great-grandchildren, Cooper Haas, Charlotte Haas, Carson Haas, and Blake Haas. Fred is also survived by his second wife Marsha Klein Haas and his sister Mary Alice Kilgore and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Fred’s family is thankful for the compassionate care given by the devoted physicians and staff of Houston Methodist Hospital, The Buckingham, and Star of Texas Hospice. They are grateful for his many capable caregivers, especially Alma Torres, Gabby Torres, Alice Pena, and Beverly Taylor.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with family from five o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 9th of June, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A funeral service to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 10th of June, in the sanctuary of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston.

The family will gather for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in memory of Fred Haas may be directed to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Sarcoma Research, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas, 77210, www.mdanderson.org/gifts; the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1776 Yorktown Street, #560, Houston, Texas 77056; or to the charity of one's choice.

Please visit Mr. Haas’ online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.