Gary E. Mason

Gary Eugene Mason of Urbana, IL passed away on December 12, 2022. Gary was born October 27, 1942, to Hazel (McPheeters) and Claude Mason in Kansas City, Missouri and later moved to Shawnee Mission, Kansas.

He graduated from his beloved Kansas State University with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters Degree in Structural Engineering. He worked his entire career of nearly 50 years at Caterpillar, Inc. leading a team of design engineers that specialized in tractor-scrapers. Based in Peoria, Joliet, then Decatur, IL, his work took him to Texas, Arizona, Brazil, Mexico, and Australia.

He is survived by Leslie Marsh Mason, whom he married in 1996. With Leslie, he enjoyed watching sports of any type (tennis, basketball, football, baseball) and together they traveled extensively abroad, often to destinations where they could hike, bike, and learn about other cultures. He particularly loved San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he embraced walking the cobblestone streets, as well as the Mexican culture, food, and music. Gary and Leslie had a natural gift of having fun and making friends wherever they were, including their wonderful circle of dedicated and loving friends in Champaign-Urbana, IL and Bonita Springs, FL. He loved golf and his golfing buddies and for many years was a starter at Stone Creek Golf Club.

Gary was a very generous person to all who needed help. He was a member of Rotary West and did mission trips to Honduras and New Orleans. He supported performing arts as a Marquee Circle member of the Krannert Center and was a lifelong learner and supporter of OLLI. Through C-U One-to-One Mentoring, he worked with two young men from middle school through high school graduation.

Garys children, grandchildren, friends, and co-workers were his everything. He had four biological children Bill (Janice), Beth, Stephen (Jude), and Sarah Mason (Matthew Kendall). He also loved his step-daughter, Denise Marsh (Amelie Davidson), as one of his five kids. Gary was fortunate to have ten grandchildren: Madeline, Julia, Evan, Ella, Emily, and Alex Mason; Rebekah Thrower (Devon); Andy Butterfield; Soli and Aviva Davidson Marsh. He is also survived by his niece, Dawn Mason Blackman (Dean), and nephew, David Mason II of Kansas City.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David Mason, his granddaughter Sophia Mason, his daughter-in-law Michele Mason, and his son-in-law Curtis Butterfield.

Gary was a member of First Baptist Church of Savoy and Sinai Temple. Donations in lieu of flowers are preferred to Rotary International, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, C-U One-to-One Mentoring, or charity of the donor's choice. Gary will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL. 61820 on Monday, January 2, 2023 from 9:30-10:30am. A gathering with Gary's family and friends will follow from 10:30am-12:30pm.

Please see the link and access code below under (family and friends) to attend the ceremony via streaming

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83836990938?pwd=TGZZT3d0QTF3UXJnekFMYTlRUlNiZz09

Meeting ID: 838 3699 0938

Passcode: 330292

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Memorial Service Monday January 2, 2023 9:30 AM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820 Gathering of Family and Friends Monday January 2, 2023 10:30 PM to 12:30 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820