Norman Mason

          Norman Mason, 92, of Park Hills, passed away January 23, 2023, at Parkland South in Farmington.  He was born December 17, 1930, in Bonne Terre, to the late Carl O. and Mary Sarepta (Rhodes) Mason.  Norman lived in Esther and after graduating from high school, he joined the United States Army, in 1951.  While he was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, he met the love of his life and wed Gloria Halls on May 29, 1952, in the Garden of Gods.  Norman was assigned to Army posts in Dusseldorf, Germany and Paris, France until being honorably discharged in 1954.  The two moved back to the Mineral Area and later to Bismarck.   

          In 1963, Norman and Bob Grisham formed Grisham & Mason Hardware and Appliances.  Norman then earned his real estate license in 1973, a profession he enjoyed very much and formed lifelong friendships.  He had the honor of serving as President of MA Board of Realtors as well as Mo State Board of Realtors and was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Club.    Norman proudly served on the Bismarck School Board for over 20 years, was a member of the Elvins Masonic Lodge, and the Taylor Avenue Methodist Church, and he was a Shriner.  Norman and Gloria loved to square dance and were founding members of the Bismarck Square Thru’s and The Mineral Area Chat Dancers, which became Gamma Tau Mu camping group in 1971.  Norman was also an honorary member of the Breast Friends Relay For Life Team.      

          He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Gloria Mason; sister, Evelyn Gehlert of Sparks, NV; and beloved granddaughter, Carla Marie Crocker.

          Norman is survived by his children, Mary Mason and Scott Mason; great-grandkids, Nash Mason Davis and Hattie Lee Crocker; dear cousin, Sue Turner; nephews, Bryan and Gregg Gehlert; special friends, Lenny Henson, Lynn Ellis and Bob LaPlant; many other family members and friends also survive.  Norman was known by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

          There will be a small private service held for Norman.  Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge.  Memorials may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.     

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