GEORGE ROBERT "BOB" MASON

Friday, September 21, 2012
Mason

George Robert "Bob" Mason was a World War II B-26 tail-gunner, loving husband of 64 years and dedicated father and grandfather. Bob, 86, of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, at his home in the presence of family. He was born on Jan. 19, 1926, in Redfield, Kan., the son of William Jennings and Mae Leona (Bolinger) Mason.

Bob graduated from Fort Scott High School in May of 1943. Following graduation, he served in the Army Air Corps as a Staff Sergeant until his discharge in October 1945. He was stationed in Naples, Italy, and Dijon, France. He then attended Kansas State University and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He married Doris Hamm in Arkansas on May 1, 1948, in a ceremony that also celebrated the marriage of her twin sister Loris Wilson to Sonny Wilson. Bob served as the Boy Scout leader for troop No. 114, he owned and operated the Robo Carwash and was a member of the VFW Post No. 1165. He was employed by Key Work Clothes and the Western Insurance Company from which he retired, spending the rest of his days enjoying time at the farm on the bulldozer, woodworking, and spending time with his family and friends. Bob and Doris belonged to a square dancing/round-dancing group called with many dear friends known as the Iza Stompers. He was also a member of the Redfield Methodist Church and the First United Methodist Church of Fort Scott.

Most important to Bob was his family, including Doris, his only son Ron Mason and wife Elizabeth Mason. Bob has three grandchildren Kristen Mason Andover, Kan., Matthew Mason of Fort Scott, Kan., and Steve King of Kansas City, Kan.

He also had six great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by their infant son James Mason, his brother Leo Mason, and sister Marguerite Grannaman.

Rev. Kenton Van will conduct funeral services for Bob at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery and military honors conducted at the cemetery by the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. prior to services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kan., 66701. Online condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.