Claude E. Mason

Mason, Claude, E., retired architect, passed away on his 88th birthday, Saturday, September 29, 2012. He was born in 1924 in Wichita to Harve and Cora Mason, and grew up in Harper and Wichita, graduating from Wichita North High School. Claude served as a Technical Sergeant in the Army Signal Corps during WWII, later graduating with a B.S. degree in Architecture from Kansas University in 1950, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. On June 17, 1950 he married Joan (Jodie) Bushey in Newton, KS, Claude was a partner of Thomas, Harris, Ash Mason Architectural Firm and active in social and civic causes. He was a member of the downtown Kiwanis Club, served on the Board of Directors of the Railroad Savings and Loan, Family Consultation Service and the Kansas Health Foundation. He and Joan were active in the Wichita Art Museum, Historical Museum and Center for the Arts. Claude was also an active tennis player and enjoyed family camping trips. His dedication as a father and grandfather leaves an admiring and appreciative family. Claude was preceded in death by his parents and son, Richard (Dick) G. Mason. He is survived by his wife, Jodie; daughter, Claudia Mason and husband, John Abrahams of San Jose, Costa Rica; son, David Mason and wife, Deborah of Wichita; son, John Mason and fiance, Mary Cohen of Chicago, IL; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, October, 3, 2012 at College Hill United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dick Mason Student Support Fund, WSU, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260. Downing Lahey Mortuary East