John C. MASTEN

BOYDTON - John Charles Masten, 69, of Yorktown and Boydton, Va., died Saturday, April 17, 2010.
He was born Oct. 31, 1940, in Monroe, Mich. John graduated from Milan High School, served in the U.S. Navy (aviation electronic technician), and obtained his degree in electrical engineering at Tri State University, Indiana, in 1965. During his professional career, he was a product evaluation engineer at NCR in Dayton, Ohio, and then installed/programmed computers at three nuclear power plants. For 22 years, John provided computer support to NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.
John was known for his generosity to people and worthy causes. He will be remembered as a faithful Christian, joyous family member, and loyal friend. One of his gifts was to accept people just the way they are. John always thought of others' needs and wishes and often put them first. He considered these as opportunities from God to quietly serve. This he learned from his mother and father. He was a gentle and kind person with an abiding patience and respect for all people in God's world. His life exemplified his beliefs. He will be deeply missed.
John was always active in his church, serving as treasurer, finance chairman, or other positions as the need arose. He brought St. Luke's United Methodist Church, in Grafton Va., finance department online into the computer age. John was a member of the Men's Choir and Chancel Choir for 15 years. He was active in the Relay For Life at St. Luke's Church, for 10 years. He especially loved being their hot dog grill master at the garage sales. He thrived being outdoors.
John is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne (married 2006). He is the father and stepfather of David Masten, Jim (Stacie) Masten, Justin Judd, and Courtney (Christopher) Mallon. John is the brother of Bill Masten, James (Jan) Masten, and Nancy Kimbrell.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Kay Jeffery; his father, Leslie D. Masten; and his mother, Lucy Mae French Masten.
The memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2010, at St. Luke's Methodist Church, Grafton.
Suzanne and family greatly appreciate your many expressions of love at this time.
Please omit flowers. To honor John, the family asks that contributions be made to The Duke University Cancer Patient Support Program, DUMC Box 3139, Durham, NC 27710; Duke Cancer Center, 512 S Magnum St., Suite 400, Durham, NC 27701 (http://dukecancerfund.org/); and/or The Chancel Choir of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 300 Ella Taylor Road, Grafton, VA 23692. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.