Melvin Eugene Mason

Melvin Eugene Mason, 87-year-old Vinita resident, passed away early Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Heartsworth Nursing Center in Vinita. He was born on January 24, 1939, in Bluejacket to Elmer and Alberta (Foxworthy) Mason. Melvin was a graduate of Bluejacket High School and joined the United States Navy and the Naval Reserves for many years. He married the love of his life Martha Rowena Bowman on October 28, 1960, in Long Beach, California. They moved back to Vinita from California in 1973. Melvin and Martha both worked at Eastern State Hospital, where he was a mental health aide III. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing card games, reading western books, woodworking, his dogs, loving on his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Martha in 2013; siblings, Calvin, Jim, Scott, Elmer Lee, Relmond, Vernon and Pat Mason, Alma McBride, Alice Davis, Anna Graham; and a special grandson, Zachary Todd Mason-Rinehart in 2025.

The family includes his son Larry Mason and wife Stacie of Topeka, Kansas, daughter, Lynda Rinehart, and husband Jeff of Cleora; granddaughter in law, Daniella Rinehart; grandchildren, Jake Mason and wife Jennifer, Lance Mason and fiancée' Mallory, Mason Rinehart, Alexandria Rinehart; great-grandchildren, Westyn Rinehart, Channing Rinehart, Rose Rinehart, Ryver Rinehart; sister, Alberta "May" Winfrey along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Casket Bearers will be Jake Mason, Lance Mason, Mason Rinehart, Jeff Rinehart, Wayne Bowman, Jim Cook, and in Memoriam Zachary Todd Mason-Rinehart.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel in Vinita.

The celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel, Pastor Justin Turner will officiate. Interment and Military Honors will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. "Vinita's only locally family owned and operated funeral home."