Fred Mason

Mr. Fred Mason of DeFuniak Springs passed away early Wednesday morning, June 17, 2009 in Chautauqua Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He was born May 11, 1931 in Masontown, Pennsylvania the son of Earl and Millie Wingrove Mason. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served his country during the Korean Conflict. In the military he worked as an offset pressman but later in life he was employed by the State of Illinois, working with the States' Boy’s Training Centers. In 1980 Fred and his wife Eva took a vacation to DeFuniak Springs to visit friends who had moved down earlier. After exiting I10 onto 331 Fred noticed the remoteness of the area and said “I am going to buy property here for retirment” and that is just what he did before leaving. After retirement in 1986 and when their new home was completed Fred and Eva moved to DeFuniak Springs and immediately became a viable part of First United Methodist Church. They were active in the Tuesday Bridge Club and in Thorp Vest Sunday School Class where Fred never missed an opportunity to sit by Gladys Cromartie so they could share thoughts and wisdom with the class about the lesson. Fred brought a spirit of love and friendship and humor to the congregation that will be sorely missed. He loved sports and anything to do with Pittsburg; The Pirates, The Steelers. In his later years he and Eva enjoyed golfing at DeFuniak Springs Country Club. He was a Master Mason for over 49 years and had moved his membership to Glendale Lodge # 225 F&AM. He was a Shriner of Tabole Lodge in Rockford, Illinois. He had been a member of American Legion Post # 529 in Big Rock, Illinois where he had served as Commander and Adjutant. Fred’s motto in life, which he lived by, and persuaviely urged others to do was “Be on Time”. He is predeceased by his brother Earl, his sisters Marjorie and Jeanie.

Among survivors are his wife Eva Evelyn Ruth Mason. His sister Doris Mason Weingartner and his brother Donald Mason both of Pittsburg. His nephew, Curtis Mason and wife Vicki of Newwcomerstown, Ohio and William Shazer, II and wife Arlette of Batauia, Illinois. His brothers-in-law James Shazer, William Shazer and wife Ellen and Allen Shazer and wife Terri. Special friends, Ann Barnes, Ginny Crocker, Carol Skelton and Mark Weeks.

Memorials may be made in Fred’s memory to First United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 9, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Thorp Vest Sunday School Class. Services will be Friday, June 19, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in First United Methodist Church with Reverend Jesse Evans officiating.