Dr. Lance Masters

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Dr. Lance Masters, 72, passed peacefully from this world into the next on Thursday evening, April 5, 2012, in Phoenix, Ariz.
A graveside service and inurnment will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City. For those attending the service, the family requests casual dress because Lance seldom wore a tie. A celebration of life will follow the graveside service at the Mason City Holiday Inn Express at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to a church or charity of your choice in Lance's memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com
Lance was born May 3, 1939, in Manning, to Dr. Ronald O. Sr. and Mary Jane Masters. In 1945, the family relocated to Mason City where Lance attended school and enjoyed many outdoor activities. Lance was active in Boy Scouts; he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, served as camp counselor, and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. Following his graduation from Mason City High School in 1957, Lance attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, and DePauw University in Green Castle, Ind. He received his Doctors degree in 1962 from Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport. For the next 25 years, Dr. Lance enjoyed practicing his profession at Masters Chiropractic Clinic with his father Dr. R.O. Sr., his uncle, Dr. Bill, and his brothers, Dr. Ron and Dr. Mike Masters. Dr. Lance retired from practice in 1987 and spent many fulfilling years traveling, sailing, working on various ecology projects (which included helping develop Manatee Reserves in Belize, Central America), and attaining a Black Belt in Kung Fu.
Lance is survived by his wife, Linda Blair Masters of Phoenix, Ariz.; children, Melinda Masters and husband David of Arcadia, Fla., Dr. Blair Masters and wife Stephna of Lowell, Ark., Joy Masters Pacura and husband Tim of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Joshua Masters of Scottsdale, Ariz.; five precious grandchildren, Andria, Tiffany and Whitney Masters of Lowell, Ark., Kaitlyn and Ryan Pacuraof Scottsdale, Ariz.; mother, Mary Jane Masters of Mason City; brothers, Dr. Ronald Masters II and wife Pat of Mason City, Dr. Michael Masters and wife Judy of Honolulu, Hawaii; aunt, Valois Masters of Mason City, and cousin, Mark Masters of Mason City, numerous nieces and nephews.
Lance was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Ronald O. Masters Sr., an infant brother, Dexter Dean Masters.
A special thanks is extended to the staff of Hospice of Arizona and Ana's Assisted Living Home, where Lance resided during the final months of his life. Lance will be deeply missed by his family and loved ones. We praise God that for the great majority of Lance's life his mind, body, and spirit were healthy and strong and he was able to live the life he chose: adventurous, happy, and productive. Our family wishes to thank you for your many prayers and loving thoughts offered up on his behalf.
Arrangements: Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.