Donald Lee Mason

Donald Lee Mason “Grandpa Don”, 75, of Colfax, passed away Monday, February 17, 2020, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.  A celebration of Don’s life will be held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, March 1, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.  Memorials to the Colfax Senior Center may be left at the funeral home.

Donald was born at home on November 21, 1944 in Williamsburg. He was the youngest of four children born to Albert Lee and Eleanor (Anderson) Mason.  Don attended Williamsburg schools and graduated in 1963.  Don met his future wife, Jill Wemer, at a local skating rink and they began dating after he asked to see her class ring and wouldn’t give it back until she agreed to go out with him.  They were united in marriage at the Webster Methodist Church in 1963. Their son, David Lee Mason, was born in 1964 and daughter, Carol Renee (Mason) Gull in 1969. 

To provide for his family, Don held many jobs over the years.  He started with a hand mower, mowing lawns and also worked cleaning the post office and putting out the flag.   He later worked in construction, helping to build I-80. That job allowed him to make the money to buy his and Jill’s wedding rings. After that he worked for Amana Refrigeration.  In 1965, they moved to Newton and became the managers of the Stuckey Pecan Shop and gas station.  In 1970, they made their home in Colfax. Don began working at Frito Lay and retired after 30 years.  After retirement, he drove trucks for Dee Zee Mfg.  

Don enjoyed many things. He had a love for racing and spent many years racing at Eddyville and many years going to the NHRA drag races.  He owned several motorcycles and enjoyed taking trips and going on adventures with his family. He enjoyed bowling and was on the Men’s League Board for many years.  He was also a member of the Jaycees and the Mingo Men’s Club, where he and his friend Larry were known for selling record numbers of Duck Raffle tickets.  He enjoyed watching eagles and fishing.  His favorite was his love for his family, grandkids, and great-grandkids.  He loved going to their many sports and activities and was very excited for his new great grandchild coming in March.

Those left to miss him daily are his wife of 56 years, Jill of Colfax; son, David Lee Mason; granddaughter, Brittany (Taylor) Reynolds and great-grandbaby Reynolds; his daughter, Carol Gull; grandson, Devin Mason; great-grandchildren, Zoey, Brooklynn, Audrey, and Tanner Mason; and his grandson, Wyatt Gull of Colfax. He is also survived by his brother, Francis (Laverne) Adams of Marion; sister, Marilyn Possehl of Williamsburg; sister-in-law, Elaine Sorden of South English; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Betty Wemer of Van Meter; several nieces and nephews, his "adopted" kids, and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Yvonne “Bonnie” and Glenn Berry; parents-in-law, Glenn and Esther Wemer; brother-in-law, Dean Possehl; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Clarann McFarland; brother-in-law, Bud Sorden; son-in-law, Kevin Gull; nephew, Kenny Adams; and niece, Christine Edwards. 

Jill and the family want to say LOVE YOU to Don for being a dedicated and loving husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. 

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