John T. Mason, age 94, of Phillipsburg, formerly of Stockton passed away December 31, 2009 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg.  He was born November 9, 1915 in Lebanon, Kansas the son of William and Catherine (Thoma) Mason.  John was united in marriage to Opal Miner on April 15, 1939.  John shared events of his childhood often about growing up on a farm next to the Solomon River east of Stockton and especially had fond memories of the inseparable triangle of brothers John, LeRoy, and Willie.  We take comfort in knowing that this triangle is once again united.

John graduated from Woodston High School in 1933 and served in the Civil Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.

Following this, he began his lifelong work as a wheat farmer and was an avid lover of his livestock.  John was known in the area as an honest, hardworking man who managed to support his family with very modest means.  Upon retiring from farming, John and Opal moved from the farm to their new home in Stockton where John continued his farming ways by growing very productive vegetable gardens and roses. 

John is survived by his loving wife Opal of Phillipsburg; daughters Delores and husband Gorman Rubottom of Stockton, Patty and husband Jim Northup of Phillipsburg; sons Eugene and wife Judy Mason of Wichita, Dennis and wife Carolyn Mason of Goddard; 13 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Catherine, brothers Clarence, Ralph, Charley, Willie, LeRoy and sisters Maude Dryden and Eva Zink. 

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2010 at the Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton with Reverend Steve Slate officiating.  His final resting place will be in the Stockton Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5-8 Saturday, 9-8 Sunday and from 9 – 10 Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial  Contributions may be made to the Stockton FFA and may be sent in care of the Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton, Kansas 67669.  Condolences may be sent to the family on our "Send Your Condolences" link.