Obituary of John Lee Mason

John Lee Mason, Sr., 78, of Barrackville, passed away on November 15, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born September 19, 1945, a son of the late Hayward Jasper Mason and Lona Bell Ice Mason. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Carol Jean (Johnson) Mason. John was a 1963 graduate from Valley High School and attended Fairmont State College. He served as a medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Before beginning his coal-mining career in 1981, John held various jobs including manager of Hills Department Store, insurance agent for Equitable Life, and laborer for Helmick and Heater Co. He retired from the Federal #2 Coal Mines in 2005. John was a proud member of the UMWA and worked as a Financial Secretary and as a Liaison Claims Processor for his local union. John also honored to serve 23 years as campaign treasurer for his close friend and union brother, Mike Caputo. John enjoyed working on cars, camping, WVU sports, NASCAR, and spending time with his family, especially beloved grandchildren. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children, Debby (Jay) Michalski of Monongah, John (Amanda) of Morgantown, David (Melinda) of Jane Lew, and Melissa (Randy) Whitescarver of Barrackville, his grandchildren, Brad Ross, Michael Michalski, Ava and Audrey Mason, Jackson Mason, and Olivia and Ella Whitescarver, his sister Nora Hostuttler of Clarksburg, brothers, Larry Mason of Rachel, Roger Mason of Folsom, and Gary Mason of Williamstown; and several great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his brother, Ron Mason. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Barrackville United Methodist Church P.O. Box 186, Barrackville, WV 26559 The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, R.C. Jones Chapel, 1410 Country Club Road, Fairmont, WV 26554. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 5p.m. until 7p.m. and on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 10a.m. until 12p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 12p.m. with Reverend Stephanie Bennett officiating. Graveside services will continue at the West Virginia National Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.