Mason Holt

His high school graduation from Booker T. Washington High School was delayed until the spring of 1958 because he was drafted in the 8th grade and served in the Air Force. When Mason returned home, he later moved to Chicago and became a minister on July 30, 1975.

He eventually started his own church, St. Joseph's Science Spiritual Church, in Kankakee IL. There he met his lovely wife Deborah Holt and they were united in holy matrimony on July 30th, 1984. To this union, God blessed them with five children who joined an older sister from a previous marriage and they became a loving family. For 38 years he was a devoted husband and a caring and compassionate father.

Mason later moved to Terre Haute with his family, where he continued to work for 30-plus years with the Soo Line railroad which later became the CP rail system after retirement from the railroad he worked for Central Transport and Service Master. He was a part of the Freemasons and was a member of the American Legion Post in Tennessee. Mason also received many certificates and safety awards throughout his career working for the railroad. After retirement, he spent his free time gardening which became a hobby that he loved. So much so, that Mason and his friend Joe started a garden together from 2012 – 2020 in Indianapolis where he then spent the majority of his time.

Mason became a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in 2017.

Mason peacefully departed this earth on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 at home. He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. C.B. Holt and Ethel M. Holt, his brothers Rev. Joseph L. Holt and Rev. C.B. Holt Jr., his sisters Loretta Holt and Farrow H. Hubbard, and his son Demetrius Lonberger.

• He is survived by his children, daughters Roslyn (Dale) of Chicago and Ursula Lonberger of Indianapolis; sons, Harold Lonberger (Kim) of Terre Haute, Eric Lonberger of Indianapolis, and Azarias Lonberger (Patrice) of Orlando Florida; his loving sisters Etherine Matthews and Myrtle Vaughn, and his brothers Bishop Leo Holt (Brenda) and Rev. Raymond Holt (Elnita) He leaves also to cherish his memory his 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by his loving best friend Joe Johnson and will be truly mourned by his wife, children numerous nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Acknowledgements: Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you sent a funeral spray; if so we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words that any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us on that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much, whatever the part.