Obituaries » William Ray Mason
William Ray Mason
September 22, 1928 - March 25, 2017
VISITATION
March 28, 2017
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Memorial Services of Iowa
4208 North Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 964-0592
VISITATION
March 29, 2017
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Elkhart Christian Church
252 N.W. Wahsington Ave.
Elkhart, IA 50073
(515) 367-5125
FUNERAL SERVICE
March 29, 2017
10:30 AM
Elkhart Christian Church
252 N.W. Wahsington Ave.
Elkhart, IA 50073
(515) 367-5125
William (Bill) Ray Mason was born on September 22, 1928 in Des Moines, IA to Edward Clifton Mason and Hada Bell (Purdy) Mason. He grew up in rural Ankeny and graduated from Ankeny High School in 1946. He served in the army in Korea and was a corporal at the time of his discharge. After being discharged, he married Mavis Fern Parmenter in 1953. To them were born two children, Larry and Kari. Except for a couple years when they owned a fishing resort in Minnesota, he farmed in rural Elkhart in addition to working at Capp Homes and AMF in Des Moines. In later years, he lived in Ankeny, IA. After Mavis’ death he remarried to Shirley Hudson in 2003 and was blessed with a second family.
Preceding Bill’s death are his parents, Mavis, brothers Glenn and Harold (Bud), infant sister, Shirley, and stepdaughters Kathie and Debby. Those left to cherish his memories are one sister Alice Mason Donahoe; one brother Robert (Norma) Mason and family; children, Larry (Diane) Mason; Kari (Jim) Roth; stepchildren, Connie (Junior) Tuma, Steve (Denise) Hudson, Bruce Hudson, Tim (Debby) Hudson, stepson-in-law; Alan Lourens; grandchildren, Meredith, Brandon, Katie, Jessie, Angie, Amy, Lincoln, Spencer, Christopher, Emilie, Takiesha, Wyatt, Corbin; and numerous great grandchildren.
Bill enjoyed fishing, baking pies, helping family and friends in need of an extra set of hands, going to Tama, possibly overfeeding family and neighborhood pets, and playing all sorts of card and board games while always looking for an opportunity to gain an “unfair” advantage! These traits, with his unique touch of orneriness, endeared him with his nieces and nephews (among others), and made him a favored uncle. He made life so much fun!
The family sends a heartfelt thanks to all of those who have supported us through this time of transition and celebration of Bill’s life. Memorial contributions may be directed to Elkhart Christian Church.