Clarence “Paw” Mason passed away in his home surrounded by family on Sunday night, April 7, 2024 in Townley. Clarence was just shy of his 101st birthday.
Funeral services will be held at Collins-Burke Funeral Home in Jasper on Friday, April 12. Visitation will be held at 1:00pm with the service following immediately after. Graveside service will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Townley.
Clarence was born to Charlie and Elsie Flippo Mason. He was the 3rd oldest out of 8 siblings. He was married to his first wife Mary Coleman Mason for 17 years and married to his second wife Shelby Reid Mason for 58 years. Altogether, Clarence had 7 children, 19 grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents: Charlie and Elsie Mason, wife: Mary Coleman Mason, brothers: J.D. Mason, Luther Mason, and Jessie Mason, sisters: Sue Gaddy, Elizabeth Miles and Faye DuBoise, his son: Ronnie Mason, daughters: Jill Lechman and Sheri Kimbrell, sons- in- law: Robert Burton and Chuck Erdman, and two granddaughters.
Clarence is survived by his wife: Shelby Reid Mason, sons: Phillip Mason (Tammy) and David Hardwick(Connie), daughters: Denise Burton and Sandra Bowden(Bobby) and his brother: George Mason.
Clarence was 15 years old when he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. He stayed four years before joining the Air Force in 1941. He served until the end of WWII in 1945. As a Staff Sergeant and airplane mechanic Clarence commanded troops consisting of 3-5 soldiers tasked with finding and repairing downed aircraft on the front lines. Clarence received multiple awards and medals for his time served in the military, including a Presidential Unit medal and a bronze star for heroic service. After the war, Clarence became a firefighter and policeman at Pleasant Grove in Jefferson County. He retired after 24 years. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge 749 in Fairfield.
Clarence “Paw” Mason was so many things to so many people over his lifetime. He was a husband, son, brother, father, friend, and grandfather. His kindness and humor were just a couple of his many attributes. He was known for being a hard worker and always lending a helping hand. He was a devoted husband and father and was humbled to serve his country. Family was his greatest asset. His love for family grew as his family grew. His favorite things included tending his garden, hunting, and fishing. Paw had a love for westerns, overalls, and coconut cake. He had a heart full of love to give and was known for his selflessness. Clarence’s impact will be forever felt by all who knew him and especially the family that loved and cared for him so well.
