Thomas Leo Mason, age 87, left this world for greener pastures on March 8, 2021, He was born May 2, 1933.
Tom was preceded in death by: his parents- Harry Mason and Nellie Brothers: five brothers- Jack, Harry “Bus”, George, Fred and the baby, Bennie: three sisters- Mary Siegle, Helen Wease and Pauline Kasinger: two ex-wives: Wilma Butler and the mother of his children, Darlene Mason: two sons- Thomas Wesley Mason and Daniel Lee Mason: and one great- grandson- Mason Smalley.
He is survived by: his daughter- Tammi (Ed) Stokes of Springfield, MO: two sons Anthony Mason of Chatsworth, IL and West Mason of Joliet, IL: 17 grandchildren: 20 great-grandchildren: and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Tom grew up in the Billet, St Francisville area before moving away and raising his family in Joliet. He often jokingly referred to his self as the ‘black sheep ‘ of the family. He worked hard to keep his family fed with a roof over our heads. He spent over 30 years at Stone Container. A box factory with different names over the years. He started at the bottom and worked his way up to the top maintenance mechanic that everyone depended on. He was very proud to be Union steward for his coworkers and helped them to receive many wage increases. They knew they could count on him the same way his family could.
He would lend a hand to anyone in need and never charged a dime, not even for his opinions. He had an open-door policy, and it wasn’t uncommon to find a friend or relative staying in our home until they could get on their feet.
He could be a bit argumentative, quick witted with a joke always ready. Numbers came easily to him. He was a man of many facets and there are not enough words to describe him. He didn’t have to say, “I love you”, you just knew. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021 at the Free Methodist Church of St. Francisville. Visitation will take place at the church from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery in St. Francisville.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.