Wendell Mason

Wendell E. Mason, age 98, of Lexington, South Carolina passed away on December 15, 2021. He was born in Romulus, Michigan on October 15, 1923. He was the son of Lyle Virgil “Bob” and Famie (Coman) Mason.

Wendell Mason was the third oldest of five children and spent most of his early years living and working on the family farm. Growing up in the depression era, Wendell worked hard as a young man. While attending Waldron High School, Wendell worked supporting the family farm and other family businesses (ICE House and the Waldron grocery and hardware stores). At school, Wendell excelled in many things. He played the baritone and served as the Drum Major in the Waldron High School Band. Wendell was also a talented athlete playing basketball for Waldron High School.

After graduation from high school, Wendell attended a business college in Ft. Wayne, Indiana for one year. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Wendell enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was shipped to San Diego, CA for training. He received his basic training in San Diego and was assigned to the 4th Marine Division where he served until the end of the war and was honorably discharged. Wendell, along with his family, are very proud of his Marine Corps service.

After his honorable service to his country, Wendell was inspired to a life devoted to service – to his family, community and country. After the War, Wendell married Joan Welling and they began their life together living in Florida where Wendell become a meat cutter. After he was accepted to Michigan State University, Wendell and Joan moved to East Lansing, Michigan where he earned a BS in accounting and an MBA from MSU. He became a life-long MSU Spartan fan, GO GREEN! After graduating from MSU, Wendell accepted a position with Consumers Power Company. He spent his professional years working for Consumers Power rising to the position of Division Manager of Consumers’ Jackson Michigan Division. After his retirement from Consumers, Wendell started and sold an insulation company. He further served as the Head of the Jackson Michigan Alliance, and was responsible for bringing in new business into Southeastern Michigan.

As a couple, Wendell and Joan were very involved in their children’s activities and the life of every community in which they lived. Together, Joan and Wendell supported the Presbyterian Churches in Jackson, Rochester and Traverse City, Michigan and also in Punta Gorda, Florida. Wendell served for over 25 years as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. They participated in the building of new church facilities in both Rochester, Michigan and in Punta Gorda, Florida. While Joan focused much time serving and supporting the local hospital, Wendell was very active in the Boy Scouts of America and Rotary Service Clubs. He served as Chair of several United Way Campaigns and was President of the Jackson Michigan Counsel of the Boy Scouts of America. They served together on neighborhood association boards and Joan wrote a column for the local newspaper at Burnt Store Marina, where they lived in Florida. Together they were avid golfers and both claimed to be better than the other. It is noted that Joan had more holes-in-one than Wendell.

In their 65 years together, Wendell and Joan made homes in East Lansing, Jackson, Rochester, Livonia, and Plymouth, Michigan. In retirement, Joan and Wendell moved away from Jackson and enjoyed the remainder of their lives together spending summers in Traverse City, Michigan and winters in Punta Gorda, Florida. Together they made many trips to visit their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They enjoyed this arrangement for many years until Joan’s death in 2014.

In the past few years, Wendell spent time with his children in New Jersey and South Carolina.

Wendell Mason is survived by his brother, Jack Mason; sister, Shirley Schmucker; his three children: Pam Wood (Jim), Tom Mason (Georgia) and Jim Mason (Pam); his eight grandchildren and his fifteen greatgrandchildren. The extended family spans the entire country from Massachusetts to California.

Wendell is predeceased by his wife, Joan; his brother, Robert Mason and his sister, Helen Exposito.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 18 at Lexington Presbyterian Church, 246 Barr Road, Lexington, SC. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 am.

Memorials in honor of Wendell may be given to the following:

Still Hopes Assisted Living

1 Still Hopes Drive

West Columbia, SC 29169

#803-769-6490

www.stillhopes.org

Providence Home

Helping Men Celebrate Victory in Christ

PO Box 3188

Columbia, SC 29230

#803-779-2927

providencehomecolumbia.org

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church

11330 Burnt Store Road

Punta Gorda, Florida 33955

Lexington Presbyterian Church

246 Barr Road

Lexington, SC 29072

Special thanks to the medical professionals and staff at the Still Hopes Assisted Living Facility, West Columbia, SC; to the staff and ministers at the Lexington Presbyterian Church and to Wendell’s friends and neighbors across the country and on Power Point Lane in Lexington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Mason family.