Fredric “Bud” M. Mason — O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Fredric “Bud” M. Mason, 85, of Quincy, passed away at 2:05 am Monday, October 7, 2024 at his home in Quincy, IL.

Bud was born May 22, 1939, in Quincy, IL to Walter and Dorothy (Boling) Mason.

Bud graduated from Central High School in Camp Point in 1957. His sense of duty led him to enlist in the Army in 1958 during the Berlin Wall Crisis in Germany, where he served his country with honor for over three years. Upon returning home, Bud embarked on a career that saw him working as an overhead crane operator for Electric Wheel for nearly two decades. He later served the community as a gas attendant at Derby Service Station and concluded his career at Hucks before retiring in 2000.

On January 19, 1963, Bud married the love of his life, Nancy J. Hedberg, at Central Baptist Church in Quincy, IL. Their union was blessed with five children: Timothy M. Mason of Galesburg, IL, Tammy Mason (Anthony) of Quincy, Kevin M. Mason (Karen) of Ewing, MO, Jeffrey M. Mason of Quincy, and Greg M. Mason (Nicole) of Quincy. Bud’s legacy continued to flourish with the joy of seventeen grandchildren: Tim, Josh, Tylor, Andrew, Keira, Ashley, Jerome, Brandon, Devin, Conner, Trever, Sadie, Jeffrey, Brent, Taylor, Madison, and Reid; and eleven great-grandchildren: Olivia, Timmy, Lily, Vivian, Harper, Kaleb, Malea, Elijah, Jared, Lillian, Parker, Dorian, Daycion, Hayden, Hazel, and Paige; who brought him immeasurable happiness. He is also survived by two sisters, Karen Howell and Conda Denton (David); and two brothers, Dave Mason and Marty Joe Mason.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Fred and Bernice Boling, and Martin and Anna Mason; and two sisters, Shelba Kestner and Marilyn Kennedy.

Bud’s life was marked by his Christian faith, having been baptized at Spring Valley Church near Kellerville, where his grandfather ministered.

An avid outdoorsman, Bud found solace and pleasure in the beauty of nature. He meticulously cared for his yard and garden, sharing the bounty of his harvest with family and friends. Mushroom hunting, fishing, and camping were among his favorite pastimes, as well as cheering on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. Bud’s love for travel led him to memorable trips to Branson and Nashville, but it was the time spent with his family that he cherished most.

A graveside service will be at 2:00pm, Friday, October 11, 2024, at Quincy Memorial Park in Quincy, IL, with Chaplain Jerry Edison officiating and full military honors given by the American Legion Post #37 and the United States Army Funeral Honors Detail.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Great River Honor Flight or the Quincy Medical Group Foundation Oncology Fund/Cancer Crush.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.