Ronald Carl “Ron” Mason, 80, of West Salem

Ronald Carl “Ron” Mason, 80, of West Salem, passed from this life to the next on March 7 at Aperion Care in Fairfield.

He was born Aug. 7, 1939 in Bone Gap to Mary (Mills) and Carl Mason. He married Delores “Dee” Harness on Dec. 24, 1961 in Olney and she survives.

Ron was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and worked at Champion Labs for 30 years. He served as the Edwards County Clerk and Recorder for 12 years and enjoyed being a public servant. He was a member of the West Salem Fire Department in the early years and served as the West Salem Village Clerk. He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church of West Salem, serving as a deacon, elder, song leader, and Sunday school teacher.

He loved his family dearly and never missed his kids’ or grandkids’ activities. He enjoyed gardening, flowers, and being outdoors. He was able to look at an empty two-acre lot and envision the potential of the property. He and Dee transformed the empty lot into a beautiful space, filled with trees, plants, and flowers and a winding driveway that led to their home.

Ron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dee of West Salem; one daughter, Cathy (Keith) Spence of West Salem; one son, Steve (Trisha) Mason of Fairfield; one sister, Alberta (Theron) Jenner of West Salem; two brothers: Larry (Diane) Mason of Olney and Jerry (Debbie) Mason of West Salem; six grandchildren: Jordan (Sondra) Spence of Albuquerque, N.M., Amber (Phil) Lovato of Albuquerque, N.M., Megan Spence of Searcy, Ark. and Tyler Mason, Trenton Mason and Trey Mason, all of Fairfield; and five great-grandchildren: Josiah, Levi, Eliana, Destiny and Declan. A sister-in-law, Kay Mason of Albion, also survives as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, and nephew Marc.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Christian Church in West Salem. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 13 at the church. Burial will follow in the Moravian Cemetery in West Salem. Full military rites will be conducted at the graveside.

Because of Ron’s love of springtime, all are invited to wear bright, spring colors to his services.

Memorials may be made to Brownsville School or the First Christian Church of West Salem and envelopes will be available at the service.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of West Salem is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.