Retired Colonel Patrick H. Hafner ,“Pat,” of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024 at the age of 89 surrounded by family. Pat was born on November 26, 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri to Edward and Mary Hafner.
Pat attended Catholic schools in Kansas City and earned a football scholarship to Emporia State College. After attending Emporia State College, Pat enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1957. Pat attended flight school in Hondo, Texas and trained as a fighter pilot. Pat proudly served his country for 30 years including tours of duty in Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States. After Pat’s retirement in 1987, he was employed by CAE-Link Corporation as Program Director, Tactical Program Director and Site Manager in a contract with the Air Force providing academic and flight simulator training for all RF-4 aircrews.
Pat married the love of his life, the former Doris I. Kellerman from Kansas City, Missouri on April 6,, 1957. They were happily married for 65 years until her passing in 2023. Pat was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ed. Pat will lovingly be remembered by his daughter Barbara, and husband Keith, and son Tim and wife Juli. Pat was affectionately known as Pop, Grandpa, and the Colonel by his 8 grandchildren: Gabriel, Joshua, Genna, Patti and husband Will, Zach and wife Jade, Seth and partner Amber, Jake and fiancee Hannah, and McKenna, and 5 great-grandchildren: Wes, Wyatt, Addy, Paxton, and Autumn Mae.
Pat was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church for many years, and established lasting friendships during worship. Pat was also a proud member of the “Veloway Geezers” and spent many hours bicycling and socializing with his friends. Pat was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and dependability. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers, Betty and Maria, for the care and compassion they showed Pat during the past year. Recognition also goes to the staff at the Tiffin House in Georgetown for their extraordinary care of Pat during his final weeks of life.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 11th at Cook-Walden/Forrest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Dr. A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Pat at 10:00 am on Friday, July 12th at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road with Reverend Raypureddy officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S I-35 Frontage Rd.
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