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Charles Mason Obituary

Formerly of Middletown, NY

Charles Mason, formerly of Middletown, NY, died peacefully at his home in Indianapolis, IN surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born June 2, 1924 in Enfield, NC to Robert Mason and Lillie Saunders Mason.

He spent his life working in the oil and heating industry in New York working on the Empire State Building and some of the largest churches in New York converting them from coal to oil. He loved his work and for 50+ years never called off sick.

Charles is survived by his wife, Janice Judson Mason at home; children: Jeffrey Judson and his wife, Tracey of Indianapolis, IN, C. Bernard Mason and his fiance, Michele, Rosalind Patience and husband, Lloyd all of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: Jason, Kimberly, Anthony, Matthew and Rachel; two great grandsons, Matthew and Mason. He is survived by his sister, Lilly Smith of Enfield, NC; his beloved niece, Cynthia and husband, Sam of Springfield, VA and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Charles was predeceased by his first wife, Rose; his sister, Olive and brother, Robert.

A family statement reads: "Charles was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His love and kindness for family and friends will be greatly missed."

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in his name be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Vincent Hospice of Indianapolis.

Funeral services have been entrusted to the Indiana Memorial and Cremation Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Herald-Record on Jan. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Mason

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Tracey Judson

November 29, 2009

Just had Thanksgiving. It wasn't the same without you sitting at the table saying grace. I made Mom's shortbread with caramel & chocolate and it was good. I think of you all the time and wish you were still here. I miss you my friend.
Love Tracey

Cindy & Rick Williamson

March 8, 2009

Dear Jan,
The first time Rick and I met you and Charles something click between us it was as if we had always known each other and had been friends all of our lives. We loved you both from the start and still do. We miss Charles so much, but we thank God for you Jan because with you there is always Charles by your side. We know you have lost a part of your life and soul, but be comforted in the thought that he is always with you maybe not in body but he is with you in your heart. He will always be a part of you now in mind and sprit.
Rick and I were forever blessed in having you and Charles in our lifes. We wish we would have met years ago when we were all younger and could trip the light fantastic together, but God blessed us for the short time we had together. Know this Jan, that even though Charles is no longer here physically, he walks through our door every time you do. You are a part of our lives and hopefully will continue to be for the rest of all of our lives our dear friend.
We love you and we know your loss because we feel it too. That is why it has taken us so long to get to this Legacy and put it into words.
As Rick and I sit here reading and weeping it just reassures us that it was Gods destiny that we all met.
Love and Prayers forever.
Rick and Cindy

RUTH VAN GIESON

February 22, 2009

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Kelly Mac Guinness

February 20, 2009

Jan,
Thinking of you at this time.
I know Lisette has written one but just wanted to say, what a wonderful man Charles was and im so proud to have met him.
I had heard so much about him before my first year in Barbados and when I did finally meet him, I knew straight away why everyone loved him.
You two were the perfect Batman & Robin he said to me before and he will be missed by all.
I have many memories of him that will stick with me. ( Not to mention the hats!)
Love to you and your family
Kelly xx

Lisette MacGuinness

February 18, 2009

To Dearest Jan
Our thoughts and prayers and love go out to you at this time. Charles was one of the sweetest, kindest and gentlest men I ever met. We loved him from the first moment we met him and we always will. Kelly says she will always remember him jumping out of the car and trying to run through the glass doors without opening them in Middletown, Ciara muttered something about Kentucky Fried Chicken but I'll remember him jiving down the hill after the night at the plantation. He was always so much fun and together you made a great team.
Love you both always
Lisette Ciara & Kelly

February 18, 2009

My dear beloved Charles..it has only been weeks since you left me to journey on. I miss you more than mere words could express but I will try to get stronger and remember all the things we got to do that some never get to do. I finally know what true pain is...my best friend,confidant,comforter,lover and the strongest arms that kept me safe and warm. Be at peace with your loved ones and continue to guide and protect me until I see you again. Your devoted and eternally loving wife. Me

Maggie Salter

February 16, 2009

Dear Uncle Charles,

Today I woke up and the sun was shining and I thought of you. I remember and will never forget your smile and how it would light up your face. It is hard to understand why people have to leave this world, but I find comfort knowing that I will see your smiling face again one day. You were and will always be an amazing man to me as to many others who knew you. I love you Uncle Charles and miss you dearly.

Maggie

Steve Salter

February 16, 2009

2/6/09
Throughout life we search for great men without realizing how close by they actually are. Charles Mason was a great man who walked among us. What made Charles great was not political office or some other famous position. Instead Charles’ greatness was found in his example of how to live life. Charles gave us the example of how hard work and dedication can bring us the success we desire. But there is more to success than a fulfilled career. Happiness is the true measure of success and Charles demonstrated this every time you met him. Always, he greeted you with a smile and a welcome that was genuine. It has been said that one of our purposes in life is to leave the world a better place than when we entered. Charles certainly met this purpose. We all are better for having Charles in our presence.

Tracey Judson

February 15, 2009

To my man Charles,

What shall I send for your valentine?
Summers and flowers are far away;
Gloomy old winter is king today;
Buds will not blow, and sun will not shine;
What shall I do for a valentine?
I miss you.

Matthew Mason

February 8, 2009

I'm sorry I didnt get a chance to get to know my grandfather better. I am glad most of the family has gotten closer in the past few years and he had his family there to support him through this. Charles Mason, you will be missed.

Love you,
Matthew Y. Mason

WARREN ALEXANDER

February 5, 2009

HELLO JAN AND FAMILY, I'M VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF THAT "COOL DUDE" KNOWN TO ME AS UNCLE CHARLES. WHAT FUN AND GOOD TIMES HE AND AUNT ROSE SHOWED A POOR BOY FROM THE BRONX (THAT BE ME) I'VE READ THROUGH THE ENTRIES IN THE GUEST BOOK AND ALL ARE SO KIND AND MEANINGFUL.HE FOR SURE WAS A UNIQUE MAN,FUNNY,WHITTY AND TALL. SUMMER WEEKENDS I WOULD GET INVITED "UP THE COUNTRY" THAT'S WHAT WE CALLED IT. ROW BOATING,FUN CARD GAMES(BID WHIST,POKER,RUMMY, TONK). ARETHA FRANKLIN,AL GREEN,SAM COOKE,JR.WALKER&THE ALL STARS WAS SOME OF THE MUSIC YOU'D HEAR WHILE THE LAUGHTER AND KNEE SLAPPIN' WAS GOING ON.I HAD A MINI BIKE THAT I WOULD RIDE UP AND DOWN THE LONG ROAD TO THEIR HOUSE.OH, SOOOO MANY GOOD,GOOD MEMORIES, NOT ENOUGH TIME TO TELL ALL HERE. HE WILL BE SURELY MISSED. LOVE YA UNC. WARREN (COCHISE)

Linda Brandt

February 3, 2009

I was very saddened by the news of Charle's passing. He was a great person. I remember many wonderful conversations on the dock while watching the sunset, he was a good friend of he family. My Dad thought the world of him. Now they can reminisce about the great times they had at Big Pond. My heart felt sympathy goes out to his family, he will be greatly missed.
Linda Brandt
Big Pond, NY

Derrick Jones

February 2, 2009

I remember clearly when Uncle Charles took me to work with him when I about 13 yrs old, to be his little helper. I held his hand tight as we made our way into the belly of those apartment buildings. I watched in amazement as he diagnosed and fixed the problems with those old furnaces and boilers. I helped him with his tool box, parts, and any other piece of equipment just like an assistant helps a surgeon. He made me feel like I was important that day...like he couldn't have done it without me. I'll never forget that:)

For lunch, he took me to a small place in Harlem for what would turnout to be the best hamburger and strawberry shake I'd every have! Needless to say, he would have to go it alone for the rest of the day because I was too full to help do anything else:) Gods speed Unc! Love Ya,

Betty Clark

February 2, 2009

Thank you for taking the time to put together this lovely photo history of some of his life. Ronnie and I were roommates in college and Charles was always there to haul whatever I bought when up at Big Pond and would never move back to the City. I will miss his salty fish and grits. Maybe it was from him that I learned to love hot sauce. Betty

Leon & Alma Fulton

February 2, 2009

Thanks so much for sharing through photos the life of Mr. Charles Mason,the common thread seems to be, he was a kind and caring person.God Bless.Friends of Lloyd & Ronnie Patience. Our Love,

Toni Baker

February 2, 2009

I knew Charles Mason through my father Paul La Fay. I slightly remember when I was maybe 3 or 4 years old someone very tall and strong holding my hand,walking me across the street for an ice cream. All my young life I had a great "crush" on this tall handsome man. There was this special warmth and light in his eyes and in his soul. His light touched many people. His pure love and warmth has helped mold my life...and my life has hopefully molded others..Charles's love will continue through time.
I look forward to seeing you again...in Heaven. Love always, Toni

Katrina Kolade

February 1, 2009

I am sooooo happy that I was able to see Uncle Charles this past July! It felt as if I was still his baby. I used to be his little girl and he was my "Uncle Charlie". Jan,thank you for your kindness and for taking care of Uncle Charles. I will stay in touch witb you. Love, Katrina.

Patricia Salter

January 30, 2009

For Charles:

We are, in this life, that which we are meant to be. Some of us grace this world with our presence ….some of us do not. Charles graced us with his presence. He did so by being the good man and the kind soul that he was.

We can all work to be better then we are. We can elevate by education and hard work. We can read and learn and grow. We can improve our speech, our social attitudes; adjust our belief structures and our levels of tolerance. In the end though I believe we never really stray far from our inner nature, our true selves.

Some people are just pleasant, patient, kind, and a joy to be around and Charles was one of those people. When meeting him for the first time it was not unusual to hear people comment “what a nice man.”

I was always impressed with Charles’ work ethic. He believed strongly in the value of hard work and he and Jan together made an impressive team. Their love for one another was evident.

There are many sadness’s that we experience in this life and losing someone we love is certainly a time of sadness but how amazing it must be to know that you had so many happy years to share with your best friend, your confidant, your mate. This is a time for no regrets. Jan and Charles made so many memories. Times with family that will never be forgotten, friends made, laughter shared and experiences and stories created that can be relived and retold always.

We should all be so fortunate when our time comes to be thought of with love and a smile. Thinking of Charles brings a smile to my face and I will miss him.

Trish

Connie Christian

January 28, 2009

JAN,
You know Charles always had a special piece of my heart and now that piece will be filled with wonderful memories He will be greatly missed not only by me but by all who knew him .You Jeff and Tracy are in my prayers and thoughts always.
with Much Love and Friendship Connie

Michele Miller

January 28, 2009

I’ve only met Mr. Mason in the last two years. My own father had past and he quickly took the place of my father. He welcomed me as a daughter. I will never forget sitting on the porch as he talked about life and giving me advice. In such a short time he impacted my life and he will always hold a place in my heart.

Michele

Bernard Mason

January 28, 2009

I’ve been somewhat of an absentee son. I’d like to thank Janice, Jeff and Tracy for being there every day for the past 25 years. They’ve allowed me to be back in his life and more importantly being an integral part of his last days.

Janice, you and my father truly had a love affair. To my brother Jeff, you were a great son. I love you both and you to Tracey.

My father was a kind, generous, and loving father with a great wit. The last 9 months will always be special. I will always cherish those last days that I was able to express my love for him. Dad, I will miss you.

Your loving son,
Bernard.

Dave Ackerson

January 28, 2009

Jan, Tracey & Jeff,
I would like to express my sympathy to you.
Without knowing you I would never have met charles. He was such a gentle,caring person.
I hope the happy memories and celebrating his life will get you through these hard times.
May god be with you all.
Love Dave Ackerson

Sylvia Pascal

January 28, 2009

Dearest Jan,
Being there meant so much to me because Sir Charles was my friend. Being here when you need me, means even more, for you are my friend. Your strength is contagious.
Sylvia

ruthann judson

January 28, 2009

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

alice metzgar

January 28, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

ALICE METZGER

January 28, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

LINDA SISCO

January 28, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

RUTH VANGIESON

January 28, 2009

To JAN @JEFF 1/27/09
The precious memories you both have of CHARLES will always remain in your hearts as well as mine.He was my best friend and best brother in-law i ever had.Miss you very much.

RUTH VAN VANGIESON

January 28, 2009

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Judith Smith

January 28, 2009

Charles, "Deal the cards". I know that you, mom, Grady, Al, & Scotty are having a heck of a Poker game up there.

I will miss you but I am so thankful that you were in my life.

Jan, there are no words to express the sadness in my heart. I wish I could be there with you.

Judy

Tracey Judson

January 26, 2009

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Patricia Tenke-Padgett

January 22, 2009

Dear Janice & Family, Just a few words to send you my sympathy on the passing of Charles. I know you and Charles had something special together and you gave him many of hours of happiness. Sorry for your lost, may God comfort you and yours. He will be missed. He was and will always be in my prayers. Your Friend, Pat Tenke Padgett

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