John Mason

John David Mason departed this life to be with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on May 13, 2016 at his home in Levels, WV John was born in Manchester (Akron area), Ohio on October 5, 1929. He was predeceased in death by his parents, a son, a daughter and two brothers.

John served in the United States Army Air Corps, which later became the Air Force, between World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was employed for over 50 years in the meat industry working for Swift, Esskay Meats, Giant Food, Mazo-Lerch and after retirement worked part-time for ESS Laboratories. He was also an avid square dancer with his wife Maggie and served as the president of the Village Swingers Square Dance Club in Silver Spring, Md.

John loved Hampshire County, WV and especially his home in Levels where he enjoyed his garden and his faithful dog, Abby. He was an elder at the Romney Presbyterian Church, and for the past 8 years served as Co-Chair, along with his wife, to the Hampshire County Christmas Food Box Program. He always thought people should give back to those who were in need.

Although he fought the good fight against the cancer that ravished his body, it did not diminish his spirit.  His body was given for medical research.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Margritt (Maggie) Vausse Mason; his children, Sallie Barrett and her husband Gary, John James Mason, Gina Mackenzie and her husband Mark, Wanda Ballenger and her husband Jerry, Maggie Krams, Kim Wilson and her husband Mark and Matthew Krams; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a brother: William Mason of Tucson, Ariz.; and a sister: Annette Smith of Hemet, Calif.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 23, at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Hemlock Wilderness Annex (Christian Ministries in Wardensville, W.Va.) c/o Sam Barrow, 605 Orchard Way, Colesville, Md. 20904.