Ronald Eugene Mason, son of Floyd E. “Johnny” Mason and Joy B. Mason Neil was born Jan. 15, 1944 in Appanoose County, IA, and passed from this life Jan. 21, 2006 at his home in rural Clarke County, IA at 62 years of age.
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Ronald Eugene Mason, son of Floyd E. “Johnny” Mason and Joy B. Mason Neil was born Jan. 15, 1944 in Appanoose County, IA, and passed from this life Jan. 21, 2006 at his home in rural Clarke County, IA at 62 years of age.
Ron received his education in Clarke County, attending the Center Star Country School and graduated from Osceola High School in 1962. Ron was united in marriage to Sherry Chidester in February of 1965 in Lancaster, MO. Three children, Lorie, Jon and Scott, were born to this union. Ron was later united in marriage to Mary Ann Laffoon on March 10, 1978 in Kirksville, MO.
Ron began his working career in law enforcement with the Iowa State Patrol in Osceola. He soon had an opportunity to join the Burlington Police Department, remaining there until 1969. He then began a career in the insurance business with MFA (Shelter) Insurance Company, first as a claims adjuster and then became a Regional Fire Supervisor for the company. In 1978, he and Mary Ann opened a Shelter Insurance agency in Morehead, KY. They operated this agency until 1985, when they moved to Trenton, MO and began an independent claims service. In 1992, Ron and Mary Ann returned to the family farm in Clarke County. They fulfilled Ron’s dream of owning a pub in 1994 when they purchased the Irishman Pub in Indianola. Ron has also been employed at Terrible’s Lakeside Casino in the surveillance department.
Ron truly enjoyed working and spending his time on the farm. He has been an avid NASCAR racing fan and even enjoyed some time drag racing in the 60’s. He also enjoyed playing the piano, boating and camping.
Ron was a member of the First Christian Church in Osceola, serving in many facets. He was also a member of the Unity Lodge #212 A.F.& A.M in Woodburn, IA, Caldwell Chapter #53 A.F. & A.M., the Kirksville Council #44 and the Ely Commandry #22 all in Kirksville, MO.
Ron was preceded in death by his birth father, Junior Brinegar during World War II; his father, Floyd E. “Johnny” Mason; grandparents, John and Bessie Baker and Ode and Joanna Mason; aunts, Fern DeVore, Mabel Frizzell, Cleo O’Neall, Inez Manley and LaVon SwinsCoe; and uncles, Virgil and Raymond Mason.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann of Osceola; his mother, Joy B. Neil of Ottumwa; children, Lorie Baker and her husband, Ron, of Ottumwa, Jon Mason and his wife, Kimberly of Batavia, and Scott Mason of Kansas City; step-children, Aaron Johnson and his wife, Angela, of Monett, MO and Molly Johnson and friend, Darrell Simpson, of Decatur; seven grandchildren, Austin Drummond, Leah and Tyler Baker of Ottumwa, Heather and Hunter Mason of Batavia and Cameron and Kaia Johnson of Monett, MO; uncles, Ivan Mason and his wife, Barb, of Osceola, Clifford Mason of Osceola and Glen O. Mason and his wife, Bonnie, of Bella Vista, AR; an aunt, Josephine Foster of Ottumwa; and many cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.