Maurice R. Mason

Maurice "Morrie" Mason December 17, 1922 - December 30, 2005 Maurice "Morrie" Mason of Independence went to his home in Heaven on December 30, 2005. Morrie was born in Salt Creek, Wyoming to Loula and Maurice W. Mason. He grew up in Lead, South Dakota. Morrie was the oldest of five brothers. His siblings were Delvin, Donald, Howard and Robert all of the Lead-Spearfish area of South Dakota. He was preceded in death by Delvin, Donald, and Howard. Morrie graduated from Lead High School in January of 1943 and then joined the US Army in February 1943 serving during WWII. He was a forward observer in the African and European campaigns with the 273rd infantry. Morrie landed on Utah Beach during the D-Day campaign. Morrie married Adeline Hopkins on December 30, 1966 in Monmouth, Oregon and took her daughter Melody and son Rick as his children. The couple moved to his home in Washington after they were married and lived in Kent and Maple Valley until they moved to be with their son in 1991 for health reasons. Adline proceeded Morrie in death on September 24, 1999. Morrie was an active member of Calvary Chapel Monmouth-Independence and served as an usher and greeter. He is known as "Papa Mason" to his family and church family. Morrie also was a member of the Monmouth Senior Center and served on the board for several years. Morrie leaves a son Rick Hopkins and his wife Sharon of Monmouth, a daughter Melody Allen of Maple Valley, Washington; five grand children: Kimberly Bailey on Renton, Washington; Brandee Allen of Maple Valley, Washington; Guyanne Berry of Monmouth, Oregon; Michelle Lewis and Julie Leggs both of Independence, Oregon. Papa Mason leaves eleven great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Morrie's life will be held at Calvary Chapel Monmouth - Independence, 1399 Monmouth Street, Independence, OR on Saturday January 7, 2006 at 1 PM. A luncheon will follow the service. Private internment will be a Hilltop Cemetery in Independence. Donations in lieu of flowers are suggested by the family to Willamette Valley Hospice who were so helpful and comforting in the last weeks of Morrie's life. Donations may be made through the family or the mortuary. Arrangements Entrusted to Farnstrom Mortuary, Independence.