Lester Wayne Mason, 84, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Clinton, Missouri, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 2, 2023.
Lester was born August 17, 1938 in Charles Mix County near Platte, South Dakota. Growing up on the family farm, he was active in 4-H and FFA. He graduated valedictorian of Platte High School in 1956, where he played football and was the co-editor of the school newspaper. Lester received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from South Dakota State College (SDSC) in 1960 and later earned a Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education from SDSC.
Lester married Fern Uhrich in Mitchell, South Dakota on November 18, 1961. They settled in Omaha, Nebraska, where they raised their three children. After 23 years, he retired from American Cyanamid, and they moved to Clinton, Missouri. He enjoyed participating in community service, church activities, golfing, fishing and entertaining his family & friends. Lester and Fern traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states as well as multiple countries abroad.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Orrin and Myrtle (Parrish) Mason; his siblings Irene Lien, Clarence Mason, Donovan Mason, Vernon Mason as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Lester is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Fern (Uhrich) Mason; three children, Janet Friesz (Bret) of Omaha, Nebraska; Bradley Mason (Peggy) of Lowell, Ohio; and Tracy Shineman (Ron) of Olathe, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Jessica (Aaron) Sanford, Shelby (Phillip) Schmidt, Kalleigh Mason, Emily (Jake) Binegar, Clayton Mason, Courtney (Dan) Lawrenz, Lindsay Shineman-Underwood, Melissa (Alex) Valencia and Danny (Danielle) Shineman; and eleven great-grandchildren, Cameron Schmidt, Mason Binegar, Amara Beck, Ryan Lawrenz, Kynzie Lawrenz, Mikey Beck, Taven Beck, Layla Lawrenz, Hudson Underwood, Avi Underwood, and Annalise Valencia.
A graveside service will be held at Platte City Cemetery, Platte, South Dakota on a future date.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the many wonderful caregivers at Stratford Commons Memory Care, Overland Park, Kansas and Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice of Kansas City.
Memorial Contributions may be made to your local hospice in Lester’s memory.
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