Ronald "Ron" Kelsey Mason

Ron was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He embarked upon a military career as a member of the U.S. Army Police Corps. His war service included two tours in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War. Among many other commendations, he was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He retired as a Sergeant Major after 24 years of distinguished service. Ron moved to Flint, Texas in 1993 where he resided with his extended family and managed the family ranch. He was a perfect fit, as he loved the outdoors, caring for livestock, and cutting hay on a tractor. The following comprises excerpts from a tribute given to Ron in 2017, written by his niece: “Uncle Ronnie. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. He’s one of the finest men I’ve ever known, a courageous soul who loves his country and his family (and a good cup of coffee), with unrivaled devotion”. “There’s nothing Ronnie wouldn’t do for those he cares about. He is selfless and giving and incredibly kind, always willing to lend a helping hand, often without being asked”. “There’s more to Ron Mason than meets the eye. He may seem quiet, perhaps a bit gruff, but still, waters run deep, as they say, and his gruffness is just a façade. The man’s heart is the opposite of the Grinch’s – two sizes too big, and more than likely made of gold”. “The more you’re around him, the more you notice his wonderful wit, his keen intelligence, his essential warmth. There is nothing remotely proud or pretentious about him, no air of self-righteousness or hint of arrogance. His humility, dignity, and intrinsic joy are virtues I strive to possess”. “Ronnie was there the night my father died. I remember it like it happened yesterday, which is cliché to say, but true. The next morning, when the house was full of visitors, I walked outside and saw him sitting on the bed of his truck with his Weimaraner, Boss beside him. I remember thinking, “There’s my other rock.” His expression was like my father’s last: incomprehensibly serene and yet full of empathy, too, as if he knew exactly how shattered and sad I felt but was simultaneously steadfast, confident that even in the midst of excruciating pain, the love of God is present, and palpable”. “If I could sum up my dad and Ronnie in two words, it would be these: “my rock.” There’s something about them that makes you feel safe and comforted and assured that all will be well. Not everyone is blessed to have one person like this in their life, let alone two”. “I thank God every day for blessing my childhood and young adulthood with bona fide leaders who led not with grandiose speeches or fiery, in-your-face passion, but with how they cared for others, how they served without expecting anything in return”. “I think one of the greatest blessings God gives us is the knowledge that our loved ones, if they believed in His Son as their Savior, go to Heaven the moment they breathe their last (“to be absent from the body” is to be “present with the Lord”). Our separation from them is only temporary, a fleeting mist on the sea of eternity. We will be with them again, in the presence of the One who gave His life to bring us home”. “Uncle Ronnie, I don’t know when your time will be, but I wanted you to know, before it comes, how very much you mean to me, and how very proud I am to be your niece. I love you with all my heart.” Ron was preceded in death by his parents, James and Hazel Mason, his son, James Mason, brother, Steve Mason, and brother-in-law, Mitchell Anderson. He is survived by his daughter, Jamie Mason of Flint; sister and nephew, Barbara and Patrick Anderson, of Flint; niece, Diana Tyler and husband Ben of Corpus Christi; niece, Mindy Battenfield and husband Jake of Fort Worth; niece, Aimee Mason of Grand Prairie; and beloved friend, Geneva Miller. Graveside services for Ron will be held November 21st at 1:00 p.m. at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery with Pastor Gene Ramsey officiating under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. If desired, memorials may be made to The Gary Sinise Foundation: www.garysinisefoundation.org.

Ronald "Ron" Kelsey Mason

May 29, 1950 - November 2, 2023