MATTHEW DAVID MASON

Matthew David Mason, 37, a native of Holt, Missouri, gave his life in service to his country on August 6, 2011. A Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, he deployed seven times in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He is a dual recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor Device, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; he also received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with valor Device, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is survived by his wife of seven years, his 2 sons, and a child expected in the fall; his parents, his brother, his maternal grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents. Matt was a 1992 graduate of Kearney High School in Kearney, MO. He was a 1998 graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, and a member of Delta Chi Fraternity. Matt was a dedicated husband and father, an accomplished tri-athlete, and a loyal friend. Visitation will be held August 16, from 5-8 p.m., at Kearney United Methodist Church, Kearney, MO. A celebration of his life will be held the following day, August 17, at 10 a.m., at Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, KS. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Matthew Mason Memorial Fund, and sent to PO Box 3100, Maryfield, VA 22119. Arr.: Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, MO, (816) 628-4411.