Dec. 05--A civilian aircraft mechanic from Belleville has died in a mortar attack while working in Afghanistan, according to his obituary from a local funeral home.
Albert H. Haas, 64, died on Nov. 29 while working at Bagram Air Force Base. He had been working for AAR Airlift Group, Inc.
Mr. Haas was born in St. Louis and was the second oldest of five sons. He attended Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville and served in the Army in Vietnam, where he met his wife of 41 years, Bay Thi, and returned to live in Belleville. They had a son and two daughters.
He worked as a military contractor specializing in helicopter maintenance and served as an Army Reservist. He was called back to duty in Bosnia and retired from the military with honors after 30 years of service. He worked as a civilian for 30 years for commercial airlines.
"Albert will be remembered as a loving family man with an unmatched sense of humor. A man who lacked pretense and set everyone at ease," the obituary said.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home in Belleville. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
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