Dwight Austin Mason

Dwight Austin Mason Age: 86 years A resident of rural Cypress, IL Passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 7, 2007, at 12 Noon at his home near Cypress, IL. Born: May 17, 1920 in Cypress, IL. He was the son of Dio Copeland Mason & Elsie Mae (Brown) Mason. Dwight was united in marriage to Alice M. Link on June 29, 1948 in Corinth, Mississippi. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2004. Survivors include: 3 Daughters ƒ?" Donna & Max Ray of West Vienna, IL, Denise Thomas of Cypress, IL and Diane & Kenny Baker of Cypress, IL; 8 Grandchildren - Shane & Shannon Jackson, Tiffanie & Kevin Baker, Rhiannon Jackson & Michael Cardinal, Jamie Thomas, Josh Thomas, Desiree & Greg Poland, Kenneth Baker II, Tina & Keith Dunaway; 7 Great Grandchildren - Austin Jackson, Felisha Jackson, Allison Byrd, Dalton Byrd, Mackenzie Woodall, Mason Poland, Arielle Dunaway; a Brother-in-Law whom Dwight loved like a Brother, Bob Link, of Murfreesboro, TN; Several Nieces & Nephews In addition to his Parents & Wife, Dwight was preceded in death by: a Daughter ƒ?" Alice Kay Mason; a Son-in-Law ƒ?" Wade Thomas. Dwight was a graduate of the West Frankfort High School. He served from 1938-1954 in the United States Navy. He attained the rank of Boatswains Mate, 1st Class. He was a member of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 and the American Legion. Dwight was a self employed mechanic. He also worked as a maintenance foreman at Tuck Tape in Carbondale, IL. Dwight served for approx. 10 years as a member of the Lake of Egypt Patrol. Dwight was a 50+year member of the Stone Arch Masonic Lodge # 953 AF&AM in Cypress, IL. He was also a York Rite Mason and member of the Robert E. Lee Chapter of the Sword of Bunker Hill. Dwight was a member of Lutherƒ?Ts Chapel Church. He received the Woodmen of the World community appreciation award in 1985. Dwight was an avid outdoorsman. He loved spending time on his farm and taking care of his horses. Dwight loved to play pinochle with family & friends. Dwight will be remembered by his loving family for his positive & upbeat outlook on life. He always looked for the beauty in everything around him. Dwight always had a kind and encouraging word and never said a harsh or unkind word about anything or anyone. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Saturday, February 10, 2007, at Lutherƒ?Ts Chapel Church, south of Cypress, Il. Rev. Kenny Baker will officiate. Interment will be in the Lutherƒ?Ts Chapel Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Marion VFW & American Legion Posts. Friends may call after 5 PM Friday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Lutherƒ?Ts Chapel Church, c/o Diane Baker, 986 West White Hill Road, Cypress, Il 62923; the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Cancer Fund, PO Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995; or to the American Heart Association, 2524 Farragut Dr., Suite A, Springfield, IL 62704.

Dwight Austin Mason

May 17, 1920 - February 7, 2007