Charles Richard Mason

Charles Richard “Dick” Mason, 77, of Frankfort, Indiana, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 3, 1938, in Van Wert County, the son of Charles R. and Georgia V. (Fronefield) Mason, who both preceded him in death. On November 8, 1959, he married the former Janet “Jan” Brenneman, who survives. Together, they shared 56 years of marriage.

Dick graduated from Van Wert High School in 1957, and then attended Indiana Institute of Technology and Purdue University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He worked at Federal-Mogul Corporation as engineering manager and plant manager for 43 years before retiring in 2001.

Dick was known throughout the plant as an expert in tool and design. Dick as a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort. He also served as assistant scout master with Troop 338, was a Life Scout, a member of the former Van Wert Area Jaycees, coached Little League, and then Babe Ruth League when his son, Randy, played; and coached softball when his daughters played.

Dick loved spending time at the cabin on Lake Freeman, which he practically built, where he and his family could sail, boat, fish, and water ski. He also loved woodcarving, landscape gardening, sketching, drawing, and painting, especially cartoon characters, and spending time with his family. Dick was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by his children, Richard Randal “Randy” (Julie) Mason of Chelsea, Michigan, Sherry Michelle (Mike) Beihl of Eagleville, Pennsylvania, Cynthia Susanne (Paul) Gustafson of Helena, Alabama, and Stephanie LeAnn (Ryan) Smith of Carmel, Indiana; a brother, Robert J. Mason of Phoenix, Arizona; 11 grandchildren, Aaron (Katrina) Beihl, Krista Beihl, Brittany Mason, David Beihl, Brian Mason, Katy Gustafson, Emily Gustafson, Christian Smith, Hannah Smith, Nick Avila, and Ben Avila; and one great-granddaughter on the way.

Two sisters, Della Mae McClain and Margie Knafel, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, March 4, at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort, with Pastor Karen Bray and Grant Merrill officiating. Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 5, at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Delphos.

Calling hours are from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort and an hour prior to services Friday at the church.

Preferred memorials in Dick’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Matthew United Methodist Church, or Scout Troop 338.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.gendafuneralhome.com.