Walter Edwin Mason was born April 29, 1924 in Prosser, Washington to Arthur and Hattie (Durant) Mason. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on October 10, 2013 at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.
Walt attended Prosser High School, playing the alto saxophone in the band. After graduating in 1942, he worked briefly for the Army Corps of Engineers when the Hanford Project was getting under way. In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in WWII and the Korean War as a radioman, and played sax in the Amphibious Force Pacific Fleet Orchestra.
Later he worked for Dick Heald in the Dodge-Plymouth dealership in Prosser, and then as manager of Valley Auto Parts.
In 1950, he married Cora Louise Nessly and they established their home in Prosser. They had two children, Carol and Charles.
In 1967 he began employment at the Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, retiring in 1989.
Dad played sax and clarinet in various dance bands around the Yakima Valley, and in the Lower Valley Musical Comedy Company productions. He was a ham radio operator (W7ZZV), serving as president of the Lower Valley Radio Amateurs. He enjoyed building furniture, gardening and model railroading. He tried to pass on his knowledge and skills to his progeny with limited success.
In later years Walt was a favorite at the morning coffee get-together downtown, and had many great friends in that group.
He was a member of the American Legion and the American Radio Relay League. He was very active in Boy Scouts when his son was in that organization. As Inez Thompson’s right-hand man, he volunteered at the Benton County Historical Museum for many years.
Walt and Cora, great fans of the Prosser States Day celebration, were honored as the grand marshals of the parade in 2010.
Dad was a hard-working man of many talents and interests, but most of all, he cherished his family.
He is survived by his wife Cora Mason and daughter Carol Marx of Prosser, and son Charles (“Chuck”) of Whidbey Island; grandchildren David and Angela Marx of Prosser, Jennifer Vacovsky of Atascadero, California, Dan Marx of Spokane, Randy Mason of Gig Harbor, and Hattie and Pam Mason of Seattle.
Other survivors include his favorite daughter-in-law, Trish Mason, and his grandson-in-law Joe Vacovsky and granddaughter-in-law Heidi Mason; two great-grandchildren, Charlie and Rylie Cora Joy Mason, and Cora Rose Vacovsky, due in December.
Uncle Walt was a favorite among his numerous nieces and nephews on both his and Cora’s side of the family.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Jessie Taylor and Dorothy Schreiber, and his parents.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Prosser High School “Invested” (a fund providing help to students in need), at 1203 Prosser Avenue, or the Benton County Historical Museum at P.O Box 1407, Prosser, Washington 99350.
Private family graveside services with Full Military Honors will be at 11 a.m. October 26 at the East Prosser Cemetery. An open house will be from 2 to 5 p.m. at the family home at 928 Market Street.
Arrangements are by Prosser Funeral Home.
