Richard Leo Mason

Richard Leo Mason, 81, passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2023, of natural causes.

He was born on October 22, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. As a child he also lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, but by high school his family had returned to the Chicago suburb of Park Forest, Illinois.

Before graduating high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country from 1959-1963. Throughout his life, his status as a Marine was one of the things he was most proud of, and he frequently shared about his adventures and memories of that time.

Richard graduated from Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, Illinois) in 1971. It was there that he met his wife, Nancy Ellen Reed, in 1966. The two married on June 12, 1971. They lived in the Chicago suburbs until a job opportunity moved them to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1976—just 4 weeks after the birth of their only child, Amy Katherine.

Richard spent most of his career in the freight trucking industry, working in the corporate offices of Yellow Freight as a sales executive, and later a branch manager. In 1984, a promotion brought him and his family to Topeka, Kansas, where Richard and Nancy spent most of their married life together. He was a wonderful provider for his family, who brought him the most pride and joy of all.

Richard was known for his honestly, compassion, and pool game. He learned to play as a young teenager and honed his skills throughout his lifetime. Until Covid-19 broke out in 2020, he played a Friday night tournament every week and easily held his own!

He is survived by his daughter Amy Bragg (Wakefield, Kansas), son in law Joe, two nephews and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Leo Mason in 1978, his mother Katherine Swan Mason in 2004, his only brother Robert "Bob" Mason in 2020, and his beloved wife Nancy in 2021.

Richard was cremated according to his wishes. He and Nancy will be interred at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Riley in Manhattan, Kansas. A Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, June 27th at 6pm, at Lake Shawnee Shelter #2. Dinner and non-alcoholic drinks will be served, BYOB.