William G. “Bill” Mason Sr., age 77, of Mount Gilead, died Saturday morning, July 9, 2011, at the Bennington Glen Care Center in Marengo following a brief illness.
On February 24, 1934, Bill was born in Elgin, Illinois, the son of the late John and Rhoda (Beedilion) Mason. He moved to the Prospect area when he was a child attended school at Prospect High School.
Just before graduating high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to serve his beloved country during the Korean Conflict.
Following his honorable discharge, Bill returned to Morrow County and found work as a machinist at Huber Manufacturing and Grummin Flexible. Later, he worked for various security companies as a security guard supervisor, lastly working for Burns Security at Yutaka Technologies in Cardington.
Unexpectedly, Bill found his true love with one of his neighbors, Sylvia (Austin) Otten, whom he married on his birthday in 1977. Together they shared over thirty four wonderful years of marriage and he could never get enough of her chicken and dumplings.
With an undying love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Bill enjoyed coaching them at soccer, tee-ball, and baseball.
An avid Ohio State University Buckeye fan, Bill loved to show off his big Brutus. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, antique tractors and cars, and was a member of the Rods-n-Tiqs car club.
An ornery jokester, Bill was always giving his family and friends a good ribbing and he always had a joke to tell. He was also infamous for his love for Halloween, and every year he enjoyed embarrassing his family with grave stones.
Having never met a stranger, Bill could talk to and make fast friends with anyone. He touched many lives and warmed many hearts with his smile. Everyone who knew him was endeared to him and his good heart and fun ways.
Bill will be dearly missed by his wife, Sylvia Mason of Mount Gilead; his children: Kathy (Larry) Claffey of Mount Gilead, Karen Dwire of Green Camp, Kenneth Mason of Mount Gilead, Bill Jr. (Angie) Mason of Bucyrus, Sylvia’s children: Kimberly Otten Eichler of Lexington, Bill (Stephanie) Otten of Mount Gilead, Michelle Otten of Caledonia; special grandchildren, Robert and Anita Otten, whom he helped raised; his 13 grandchildren; six grandchildren; two sisters: Dee (Michael) Beck of Arizona, and Jackie Wenchell of Cardington; and several nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Bill was preceded in death by three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and sister, Joan Wade.
Bill’s family will greet friends from 4 -7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at the Snyder Funeral Home, 76 S. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Deel officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Union Cemetery in Cardington.
Memorial contributions may be made to Odyssey Hospice and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen serve Bill’s family, and condolences may be expressed to his family online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
